Female journalists recognised for election coverage

Kampala.

Uganda Media Women’s Association (UMWA) has awarded female journalists from different media houses for their exceptional coverage of the 2016 elections.

“Election field reporting has always been left for men over the years, but these past elections, we noticed resilience in women repositioning and being part of the field reporting like never before,” Ms Margaret Sentamu, the chairperson of UMWA, said on Monday during a conference held at Africana Hotel, Kampala.

She said the major goal for UMWA was to have more women reporting the female perspective in media and taking on more challenging positions, not only in politics but also in other sectors.

Ms Sentamu urged them to read and research extensively so that they can produce quality commendable content.
Key speaker Elizabeth Lwanga, an eminent woman of the Women’s situation Room and former journalist, emphasised the need for professionalism in journalism.

“Aspiration for professional excellence should be the aim for all journalists,” she said.

Ms Lwanga urged female journalists to give a female perspective to issues that promote values that will build the nation.
Other speakers were Rosemary Kemigisha from Uganda Human rights Commission, Ms Jane Kasumba, the head of UBC TV, Lynn Najjemba, the acting director Panos Eastern Africa and Linda Kibombo of NTV.

The women discussed how media women can reposition themselves for the post-election period.
Select journalists also shared their experiences reporting the elections.

“I faced a lot of intimidation at Kizza Besigye’s home and was harassed for sharing the story of my traumatic arrest. My boss was even told to fire me,” said Ms Remmy Bahati from NBS TV, who was among those awarded certificates.

Others included KFM’s Catherine Ageno, Shiela Nduhukire of NTV, Mildred Tuhaise of NBS, Esther Wamala of CBS and Agnes Nandutu of NTV, among others.