Ugandan media personality and musician Crysto Panda has spoken publicly for the first time about his departure from NTV Uganda, where he rose to fame hosting the popular youth programme T-Nation.
Panda, born Herbert Kityamuweesi, joined the station in 2016, taking over from Sheilah Gashumba. Over the years, he built a strong following by visiting schools and organising lively high school events, becoming a familiar face among teenage audiences.
However, by 2022, he had quietly stepped away from the Nation Media Group-owned broadcaster, leaving many fans puzzled by his sudden absence.
Speaking to YouTuber Allan Cruz on Cruz Xclusive, Panda explained that his exit was framed internally as part of a station-wide shake-up.
“They talked to the producer and told me they wanted to revamp. They didn’t fire me. That was the time NTV was going through some administrative changes,” he said.
Yet Panda hinted there may have been more to the story. He suggested that tensions over his salary – reportedly one of the highest among presenters despite working only an hour per show – may have contributed to his departure.
“I’m not bragging, but I was one of the most paid presenters, so I think some top people were feeling bad about why I was earning that much,” he said, recalling overhearing a manager discussing his pay behind the scenes.
Born on 5 May 1995 in Kabonera, Masaka district, Panda has since focused more heavily on his music career. Known for energetic hits such as Empele, Mukisenge, Ki Uganda Kinyuma, Monica and Kyoyina Omanya, he remains a prominent figure in Uganda’s entertainment scene, alongside occasional appearances on shows like NTV Dance Party.
