Allan Chekwech Steps into Daniel Kalinaki’s Big Shoes at NMG Uganda The seasoned editor takes over as Daniel Kalinaki retires and Taarifa Ltd moves to take majority control of Nation Media Group

Nation Media Group (NMG) Uganda has appointed Allan Chekwech as Acting General Manager – Editorial, stepping into the role following the retirement of a longtime newsroom veteran leader, Daniel Kalinaki.

Chekwech, who has served in several senior editorial positions at the Daily Monitor, including Chief Sub Editor and later Managing Editor, takes on the role at a time of transition for one of Uganda’s most influential media houses.

His appointment follows the departure of Kalinaki, the former General Manager – Editorial at NMG Uganda, who officially retired effective April 1, 2026. 

Kalinaki leaves behind a nearly three-decade career at Nation Media Group, during which he held multiple senior editorial roles and helped shape the direction of journalism in Uganda. 

Chekwech takes over at a consequential transitional period as Taarifa, an investment firm owned by Tanzanian businessman Rostam Aziz, takes majority control of the Nairobi-listed media company, marking a major shift in the ownership structure of the region’s largest independent media house.

Chekwech, a seasoned journalist and editor, steps into this legacy with years of newsroom experience, known for his steady editorial judgment and deep understanding of newsroom operations.

Beyond his newsroom work, Chekwech has also invested in strengthening his leadership capacity. 

He is a graduate of the Executive Master’s in Media Leadership and Innovation (EMMLI) programme at Aga Khan University’s Graduate School of Media and Communications (GSMC), a course designed to equip media professionals with practical and forward-looking approaches to leadership in a rapidly evolving industry.

Chekwech shared with the university in January 2025 that he pursued the programme to sharpen his strategic thinking and better adapt to the changing demands of modern journalism, particularly in areas such as digital transformation, innovation and newsroom management.

His elevation comes at a time when media organizations are navigating shifting audience habits, technological disruption and increasing pressure to maintain credibility and sustainability.