TAKEAWAYS
- Kariisa started “The Guide” at age 17 while at Shibuli.
- He recruited students, including cartoonist Nyanzi Wahab, to produce content.
- He introduced advertising space, turning the project into his first media business.
The CEO of Next Media Services, Kin Kariisa, has revealed that his journey into the media industry began when he was just 17 years old, while serving as chairman of the Students’ Council at Kibuli SS.
Speaking to young people, Karisa recalled how he turned a school notice board into what he described as his first media company.
He said he created a publication called “The Guide” and approached the school administration for space to install a notice board where students could access news and other content.
Karisa explained that the board was professionally constructed with wood and glass, and he recruited fellow students to contribute articles covering school affairs, events in Uganda, foreign affairs and other topics.
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“I created a paper called ‘The Guide,’ and I asked the school administration to give me space for a notice board.”
He also enlisted creative talent to make the publication more engaging. Among those he worked with was Nyanzi Wahab, whom Karisa identified as an architect who would later become prominent in the city. Wahab contributed cartoons to the publication.
Karisa said the notice board quickly became a popular destination for students, particularly on Saturdays, when many would gather to read the latest content.
“Everyone would come, say, ‘It is Saturday,’ and they would all be on that notice board reading the first newspaper, the first media company.”
Beyond publishing news and articles, Karisa said he also created opportunities for advertising by offering space to people who wanted to promote their products or activities.
Despite pursuing science subjects at the time, Karisa said the project gave him an early taste of entrepreneurship and media.
“At the age of 17, that was my first company. Media company,” he recalled.
Apparently, his story highlights how simple ideas, creativity and initiative can provide young people with an early foundation for entrepreneurship—even before they leave school.
