CREDIT – The African Centre for Media-Excellence-ACME. The winners of the Uganda National Journalism Awards 2024 were announced at a colourful gala held at the Mestil Hotel in Kampala on 31 July, 2024.
Organised by ACME, the Uganda National Journalism Awards highlight outstanding reporting carried out in 2023 across various categories. This year marks a significant milestone as the awards celebrate their 10th anniversary, recognising a decade of excellence in journalism.
In total, journalists from 12 different media organisations were honoured for their work. The awards aim to promote high standards in journalism, encourage in-depth reporting, and recognise those who have demonstrated exceptional skill in storytelling, investigative journalism, and reporting on critical societal issues.
“I want to thank the African Centre for Media Excellence for not only organising these awards but also continuously improving the media landscape in the country,” Mr. Ramathan Ggoobi, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development and Secretary to Treasury of the Republic of Uganda while officiating the event.
Each award recipient received a cash prize of UGX 1 million and a commemorative plaque, while runners-up were awarded UGX 500,000 and a certificate. Additionally, the winner of the Health Reporting category will have the opportunity to partner with the National Drug Authority on a long-term project investigating the theft of government drugs in Uganda.
Among the notable winners was Esther Oluka of Daily Monitor, who received the 2024 Inspiring Female Journalist of the Year Award. This is only the third year the award has been presented, following previous recipients Miriam Watsemba and Caroline Ayugi in 2022, and Scovia Culton Nakamya in 2023. This special award celebrates and elevates the work of female journalists in Uganda, aiming to motivate and inspire others in the field.
This year, two media organisations were honoured with the inaugural institutional category awards. InfoNile received the Stanbic Bank Shield of Journalism Award for Digital Innovation, which came with UGX 10 million, a special commemorative plaque, and an international learning trip for two of its staff. News 24/7 was awarded the Newsroom and Editorial Transformation Award, along with UGX 5 million and a commemorative plaque.
The awards were made possible thanks to the generous support of various partners, including Stanbic Bank, CIPESA, CNOOC, Twaweza Uganda, TotalEnergies, National Drug Authority, the European Union Delegation in Uganda, Centenary Bank, Diamond Trust Bank, Uganda Bankers Association, Uganda Communications Commission, and the Electricity Regulatory Authority. Their financial and in-kind contributions were instrumental in celebrating the achievements of Uganda’s top journalists and fostering a culture of excellence in the media.
Uganda National Journalism Awards 2024 winners.
Agriculture Reporting.
Joint winners: Joshua Kato, New Vision; Martin Amayiko, Radio Simba.
Joshua Kato’s body of work:
- Aflatoxin threatening the grain sector
- Casting a glance at coffee value trends in Uganda;
- How jackfruit found its way to the dinner table
- Dairy sector turns into white gold
Judges’ citation: Joshua Kato’s work in agriculture category provides a clear and detailed examination of key agricultural industries, using facts, expert opinions, and solid storytelling. This work offers crucial insights for understanding and enhancing Uganda’s agricultural sector.
Martin Amayiko’s body of work: Feature series on the recovery of the agro-ecosystem in Kikandwa
Judges’ citation: Martin Amayiko’s series on Kikandwa provides a compelling and immersive account of a community overcoming environmental challenges affecting their land and livelihoods. He adeptly simplifies complex agro-ecology issues, offering a comprehensive understanding and exemplifying the kind of reporting that bridges complex topics with accessible storytelling.
Runner-up: Henry Okurut, UBC Television.
Business, Economy and Finance Reporting.
Winner: Ismail Musa Ladu, Daily Monitor.
Body of work:
- EU economic partnership shakes EAC trade ties
- EU-Kenya deal paints gloomy picture for EAC trade ties
- What next for EAC after EU-Kenya trade deal
- Inside South Africa’s basket of goodies for Uganda
- The rise of Uganda-UAE trade relations
Judges’ citation: This exceptional work provides a thorough examination of Uganda’s changing trade landscape and its regional and international dynamics. The reporter presents these economic developments in a clear and accessible manner, making the information valuable for policymakers, business leaders, and anyone interested in Uganda’s economic progress.
Runner-up: Ronald Musoke, The Independent.
Honourable mention: Ronah Nahabwe, Smart24 TV.
Community Reporting.
Winner: Dan Ayebare, Solutions Now Africa.
Entry:
- In-sure health
- Bi-School: How bicycles are keeping girls in school in Eastern Uganda
- Okere City: A tale of a Ugandan village turned ‘city’
Judges’ citation: Dan Ayebare’s body of work exemplifies community journalism by not only telling stories from the grassroots but also involving communities directly in the storytelling process, thereby actively engaging with and serving them. His stories highlight problem-solving within communities while honestly presenting their challenges.
Runners-up: Barbara Nalweyiso, Daily Monitor; Hafiz Bakhit, Arua One FM.
Education Reporting.
Winner: Dorothy Nagitta, Daily Monitor.
Body of work:
- Marks for sale at Kyambogo, Makerere
- Varsities face probe over sale of marks
- Mother storms Kyambogo varsity over daughter’s retakes
- Kivuna aces UACE despite disability
Judges’ citation: This award-winning series investigates management issues in Uganda’s universities and their effects on students. The reporting prompted real-time responses and actions from the accused institutions, highlighting the power of investigative journalism to drive positive change.
Runners-up: Damali Mukhaye, Daily Monitor; Ivan Tolit, 102 Mega FM.
Energy and Natural Resources Reporting.
Joint winners: John Okot, Freelance journalist; Hakim Wampamba, NBS Television
John Okot’s body of work:
- ‘Enemies of the State’: Uganda targets climate activists in quiet crackdown
- “They want to silence us”: Uganda cracks down on anti-oil protests
- In Buliisa, keyhole gardens are powering EACOP-displaced women rise to above hunger
Judges’ citation: John Okot’s series provides a detailed examination of the environmental and social impacts of Uganda’s oil industry, highlighting both successes and ongoing challenges. The reporting balances investigative insights with practical solutions, addressing how communities in oil-rich regions are navigating these changes.
Hakim Wampamba’s body of work:
- Utilisation of oil revenues
- Management of the Petroleum Fund
- Citizen participation in the implementation of EITI
- Addressing potential revenue leakages in the oil sector
Judges’ citation: Hakim Wampamba’s winning body of work excels in energy and natural resources reporting, breaking down complex issues of Uganda’s oil industry into accessible insights. Through thorough research and engaging storytelling, he offers a comprehensive look at oil revenue management, incorporating diverse perspectives to highlight the broader impacts of oil development.
Runner-up: John Odyek, New Vision.
Environment Reporting.
Winner: Michael Wambi, Uganda Radio Network
Michael Wambi’s body of work:
- Bushmeat and poaching in Uganda’s national parks: Why everyone should be concerned
- How illicit trade in charcoal has turned Acholi into a new environmental battlefield
- Earth Day 2023: Ugandans who have tirelessly fought to protect our wildlife
- Climate change in Uganda, citizens’ views and the cost of inaction
- Climate justice in Uganda – The search for climate conscious courts
Judges’ citation: In a media landscape often characterised by brief and superficial content, this collection of stories stands out for its depth and impact. By highlighting the voices of those most affected and committing to on-the-ground reporting, the journalist delivers a powerful, immersive experience that informs, educates, and inspires action on critical environmental issues.
Runner-up: Athari Media Support Africa.
Honourable mention: Daniel Wandera, Daily Monitor.
Health Reporting.
Winner: Samuel Ssebuliba, Spark TV.
Samuel Ssebuliba’s body of work:
- The status of healthcare on Bagwe Island, Lake Wamala
- The challenges of Bugolo residents in accessing healthcare
- The fate of expectant mothers resident on Lake Wamala islands
Judges’ citation: Samuel Ssebuliba’s series tells important stories about healthcare affecting those on the margins of society, using creative storytelling to bring these issues to life.
Runner-up: Rhonet Atwiine, Solutions Now Africa
Honourable mention: Walter Mwesigye, NTV Uganda.
Justice, Law and Order Reporting.
Joint winners: Ibrahim Ruhweza, New Vision; Christopher P. Kayonga, Daily Monitor.
Ibrahim Ruhweza’s entry:
- Mobile money outlets new drug trafficking spots
- Wakiso village where locals do not move at night
- Security busts child trafficking gang
- Who will save Kalangala girls from trafficking
- City arcades offices turned into brothels at night
Judges’ citations: This winning series of articles offers an immersive look into the seedy underbelly of crime and insecurity in Uganda. The reporter’s personal experiences bring authenticity to the narratives, providing readers with a vivid understanding of the world of crime and injustice.
Christopher Kayonga’s entry:
- Olivia Lutaaya: A prisoner of conscience or an offender?
- Dead or alive? Curious case of NUP’s missing supporters
- Hoima High Court fire leaves many questions(Co-authored by Emmanuel Mutaizibwa)
- How rogues exploit flaws in juvenile justice system
Judges’ citation: Kayonga’s work is a thorough look at problems in Uganda’s justice system, in which he examines specific cases to investigate illegal detention, abuse of the justice system and court operations. This body of work is exceptional for its depth of investigation, compelling storytelling, and significant public interest.
Runner-up: Simon Masaba, New Vision.
Political Reporting.
Winners: Mary Karugaba and Henry Ssekanjako, New Vision.
Entry:
- How VP, Ministers, MPs performed in plenary
- Best, worst MPs in plenary, parts III & IV
- MPs blame poor plenary performance on Speaker
- Balancing duties: Best MPs share list
Judges’ citation: Mary Karugaba and Henry Ssekanjako elevate political reporting through skillful use of data analysis, transforming mundane statistics into compelling stories and offering a fresh perspective.
Runners-up: Jamila Mulindwa and Yiga Julius, NBS Television.
Honourable mention: Umaru Kashaka.
Public Accountability Reporting.
Joint winners: Daniel Lutaaya, News 24/7; Esther Oluka, Daily Monitor.
Daniel Lutaaya’s entry:
- Powerless: Death and despair as West Nile lives in darkness
- Emyooga: Hit or miss?
- Why hunger, poverty continue to devour Karamoja despite dozens of gov’t programmes(Co-authored by Derrick Wandera)
Judges’ citation: This is an exceptional example of public accountability reporting. The journalist conducted thorough research and presented compelling stories about community challenges. This work is considered a powerful model for journalism that drives social impact.
Esther Oluka’s entry:
- Officials shared iron sheets on WhatsApp
- Kitutu breaks cover: Quizzed over relatives in iron sheets saga
- Counting the real cost of Karamoja iron sheets
- Minister Kasaija returns ‘evil’ iron sheets(Co-authored by Jane Nafula)
Judges’ citation: Esther Oluka’s work stands out in a crowded news environment by offering in-depth analysis and uncovering hidden angles on well-covered stories. She goes beyond surface-level reporting and provides readers with a comprehensive understanding of complex issues like governance and accountability in Uganda.
Runner-up: Charles Etukuri, New Vision.
Honourable mention: Jacobs Seaman Odongo, Daily Monitor.
Public Works and Infrastructure Reporting.
Winner: Julius Barigaba, The EastAfrican
Body of work:
- SGR: Uganda severs Chinese deal
- EACOP financing swings to China as its firms hog deals
- Court orders 42 Ugandan families evicted to make way for oil project
- Did Ugandan watchdog go soft on EACOP?
Judges’ citation: This series of stories effectively addresses major infrastructure projects in Uganda, particularly those related to oil and gas. The reporter offers a detailed examination of these projects, spotlighting potential concerns and demonstrating the importance of such reporting in holding leaders accountable and ensuring equitable distribution of benefits.
Religion Reporting.
Winner: Hasifu Ssekiwunga, BBS Terefayina.
Body of work: Story series titled, “Nze mutuufu”.
Judges’ citation: Hasifu Ssekiwunga’s work explores the deep connections between faith, society, politics, and culture in Uganda. By asking probing questions about belief, doctrine, and theology, this series sheds light on previously unseen aspects of the religious landscape, challenging and expanding our understanding of faith traditions in Uganda.
Runner-up: Eddy Olwa, UBC Television.
Honourable mention: Joyce Ritah Nakato, NTV Uganda.
Science and Technology Reporting.
Winner: Paul Murungi, Daily Monitor.
Entry:
- Prototype to market: Making what customers love
- Will artificial intelligence replace human jobs?
- USE investor data was exposed to hackers, investigation finds
- Is 5G ‘overrated’ for Ugandan market?
- Will 5G solve Uganda’s internet crisis?
Judges’ citation: Paul Murungi offers a comprehensive overview of Uganda’s evolving technological landscape, balancing technical information with real-world implications to make the content accessible to a wide audience.
Sports Reporting.
Winner: Joseph Batte, New Vision.
Entry:
- Experts explain how football witchcraft works
- Clubs that scared the rest with the art of witchcraft
- Uganda vs. Rwanda: The game that gave witchcraft a face
Judges’ citation: This winning series offers a fresh perspective on sports journalism by exploring stories beyond the pitch, capturing the dynamics in the bleachers and beyond the stadium. The reporter highlights that sports are more than just games, finding compelling narratives in the surroundings and uncovering fascinating stories that are often right in front of us.
Honourable mention: Olivia Nakatte, New Vision.
Traditions and Culture Reporting.
Winner: Benjamin Jumbe, NTV Uganda.
Body of work:
- How officials are safeguarding our built heritage
- How govt. is protecting classic monumental buildings
- Corporation revels in Uganda’s railway museum
Judges’ citation: Benjamin Jumbe’s stories highlight the importance of understanding our shared past and show how culture shapes who we are, emphasising the role of heritage preservation in shaping our collective identity.
Runner-up: Julius Odeke, New Vision
Honourable mention: Stellah Nandawula Ssendagire, BBS Terefayina
Urbanisation and Human Settlements Reporting.
Winner: Scovia Culton Nakamya, BBS Terefayina.
Body of work: Special series exploring life on Katengeeto Island.
Judges’ citation: Culton Nakamya’s work in the Urbanisation and Human Settlements category showcases a deep understanding of the challenges communities across Uganda face due to rapid urbanisation and population growth. By spending time on the ground and venturing beyond metropolitan centres, this reporting reveals the lived experiences of often overlooked people, demonstrating the value of immersive journalism.
Runner-up: Raziah Athman, Urban TV.
UGANDA NATIONAL JOURNALISM AWARDS – INSTITUTIONAL AWARDS.
Newsroom and Editorial Transformation Award.
Winner: News 24/7.
Judges’ citation: The Newsroom and Editorial Transformation Award recognises News 24/7 for its exceptional innovation and courage in redefining journalism’s role in society. This year’s recipient has boldly challenged the status quo, embracing new storytelling approaches and audience engagement. By merging journalism with film, they have ventured beyond traditional journalism, creating a more impactful narrative. The newsroom, driven by young and passionate talent, focuses on critical issues like climate change, environment, food systems, and livelihoods, demonstrating a deep commitment to serving the public interest. Their pioneering spirit and unwavering belief in journalism’s transformative power are truly commendable.
Stanbic Bank Shield of Journalism Award for Digital Innovation.
Winner: InfoNile.
Judges’ citation: The Shield of Journalism Award recognises InfoNile for its exemplary digital innovation and mastery of the profession’s highest standards. Originating in Uganda and now resonating across borders, this extraordinary newsroom tackles critical issues with a keen eye for detail and a talent for transforming subjects into captivating narratives. Their digital prowess sets them apart, making complex topics accessible and engaging for diverse audiences. InfoNile’s dedication to fostering a learning environment within their newsroom has contributed to the overall elevation of journalism. By nurturing talent and encouraging continuous development, they have become a beacon of inspiration for countless others in the industry. Their influence extends beyond traditional journalism, showcasing the transformative power of digital media in addressing important issues and driving meaningful change.
INSPIRING FEMALE JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR.
Winner: Esther Oluka, Daily Monitor.
Judges’ citation: The Inspiring Female Journalist Award is bestowed upon Esther Oluka, a woman who has demonstrated exceptional courage, talent and dedication to the profession. Esther is a trailblazer, inspiring others through her work and commitment to excellence. She is a voice for the voiceless and a champion of truth.
As a seasoned journalist with a proven track record of delivering impactful stories, she has navigated the challenging landscape of journalism with tenacity and grace, overcoming obstacles and breaking new ground. Esther is a mentor, a role model, and an inspiration to countless aspiring journalists. With her quiet ambition and determination, she has carved a niche for herself in a male-dominated industry.
For her outstanding contributions to journalism and her unwavering dedication to empowering others, the Inspiring Female Journalist of the Year Award goes to a woman who is truly making her mark. https://x.com/EUinUG/status/1818717735934988616
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