Ugandan media personality Zahara Toto, whose real name is Zahara Nalumansi, has opened up about the reason behind her decision to leave Spark TV alongside fellow presenter Anna Talia Oze and join NBS Television Uganda.
The outspoken presenter revealed that the move was influenced by salary reductions introduced at the company during a period of financial difficulty.
According to Zahara, she and Anna Talia decided to move on after their earnings were reduced as the organization implemented cost-cutting measures.
She explained that the decision was not driven by personal disagreements but by a need to secure better professional opportunities.
Zahara says salary cuts influenced departure
Speaking about the transition, Zahara said:
“We quit NTV and Spark TV because they had deducted our salaries. The company was going through a difficult economic situation.”
She claimed that financial challenges at the organization led to salary reductions affecting employees.
Zahara also referenced earlier comments by socialite and media personality Sheilah Gashumba, who had previously criticized salary levels at Nation Media Group’s Uganda operations.
According to Zahara, the company was taking steps to reduce costs, which included cutting salaries.
The claims reflect Zahara’s account and have not been independently verified.
Choosing a new opportunity at NBS TV
Zahara explained that her personal responsibilities also played a role in her decision to seek a better opportunity.
She said that having carried many responsibilities from a young age made it difficult for her to remain in a position where her income was being reduced.
“I’ve had a lot of responsibilities since childhood, so I couldn’t just stand by and watch my salary being cut.”
She added that when NBS TV recognized their value and presented a new opportunity, she and Anna Talia chose to make the move respectfully.
“When their competitor saw our worth, we moved respectfully without any fights or exchanging harsh words.”
A new chapter in their media careers
Zahara Toto and Anna Talia Oze’s move to NBS TV attracted attention among Ugandan television viewers, as both presenters had built strong identities during their time at Spark TV.
The transition represented a major career shift for the pair as they joined a different media platform and continued their work in entertainment and lifestyle broadcasting.
Zahara Toto is one of Uganda’s most recognizable television personalities, known for her outspoken style and entertainment-focused reporting.
Anna Talia Oze has also established herself as a prominent media personality, with experience in television presentation and entertainment content.
Their departure from Spark TV became a talking point among viewers, with many curious about the reasons behind the move.
Why It Matters
Media industry changes often reflect broader challenges facing television companies, including advertising pressures, changing audiences, and digital competition.
Zahara’s comments highlight the financial decisions that can influence career moves for presenters and other media professionals.
The story also adds to ongoing conversations about salaries, working conditions, and talent retention in Uganda’s entertainment industry.
For Zahara, the decision appears to have been about balancing career growth with personal responsibilities.
She says the move was made professionally and without conflict, focusing instead on finding an environment where her work was better valued.
Zahara Toto says leaving Spark TV was a difficult but necessary career decision, as she and Anna Talia Oze moved toward a new chapter at NBS TV.