Kampala, Uganda – May 13, 2025
Makerere University on Tuesday screened Tuko Pamoja, a documentary by Dr. Cindy Magara, as part of a wider push by humanities scholars to have creative works recognized as valid academic research output.

The screening, held at the University Main Hall, drew senior university officials, faculty, students, and representatives from national education bodies. The event highlighted growing calls to integrate creative arts into the university’s research and promotion frameworks.

Speaking on behalf of the Dean of the School of Languages, Literature and Communication, Dr. Levis Mugumya emphasized that creative works such as documentaries should be formally considered during academic staff promotions.

“Creative art should be considered as input that contributes to staff promotion,” Mugumya said. “We need to rethink what counts as academic output.”

Tuko Pamoja—Swahili for We Are One—is a docuseries exploring Uganda’s ethnic diversity and shared historical experiences prior to colonial nation-state formation. Dr. Magara, a literature scholar and filmmaker, was praised for creating a culturally significant work that transcends traditional academic formats.

“This is a great tool for promoting patriotism. It contributes to national development and deepens our understanding of ethnicity and nationhood in Uganda,” Mugumya added.

The event was officiated by Professor Mukadasi Buyinza, who represented Vice Chancellor Barnabas Nawangwe. In his speech, Buyinza reiterated Makerere’s commitment to supporting research in the creative arts.

“We cannot promote research only in the STEM disciplines. Resilient communities need a sense of humanity—and creative arts are central to that,” said Buyinza. “Film-making and research are expensive, and we must find partners to support such initiatives.”

He also called for greater collaboration among faculty and students to promote and disseminate creative research outputs like Tuko Pamoja.

Associate Professor Helen Nkabala, Principal of CHUSS, stressed the importance of storytelling in shaping national consciousness and academic relevance.

“At the College of Humanities, we are telling you that we need to unite to tell our story if we are to make meaning to our communities,” she said. “This film shows how humanities research can be innovative, relevant, and impactful.”

Dr. Magara, a former student in the department, was commended by senior colleagues for bridging academic and artistic expression. The event follows a recent management dialogue on the role of humanities in nation-building.

“We need events like this to remind us who we are,” Buyinza concluded. “Unity is not given—it is built through conscious effort and shared history.”

Dr. Cindy Magara Traces Journey from Classroom to Cinema with Launch of Tuko Pamoja Docuseries

Dr. Cindy Evelyn Magara, a literature scholar and pioneering filmmaker recounted her two-decade journey into film-making at Makerere University during the screening of her latest documentary project, Tuko Pamoja. The event was part of a broader discussion on the role of creative arts in academia.

Dr. Magara shared her evolution from a student in Uganda’s first film studies class in 2005 to becoming one of the country’s most recognized female filmmakers. She credited her start to Professor Sister Dominic Dipio, who introduced artesian cinema at Makerere University.

“If it wasn’t for Sister Dipio, possibly I wouldn’t be here. I wouldn’t be a filmmaker,” Magara said. “From the time I made my first film, I knew that was going to be my career path.”

After graduating in 2006, Magara founded Nyati Motion Pictures, a production company named after her clan totem—Mbogo (buffalo). Her first film, Fate, became a historic milestone as the first Ugandan film screened at Cineplex Cinemas and aired on Africa Magic.

She went on to direct Fair Play, an EU-funded project, and Windows of Hope, before pausing her film career to pursue advanced academic studies. “I had to juggle marriage, motherhood, and a master’s degree,” she explained. With mentorship from Professors Susan Kiguli and Dipio, she transitioned into academia and later earned a PhD.

After completing her studies, Magara returned to filmmaking with Tuko Pamoja (Swahili for We Are One), a 13-part documentary series exploring Uganda’s pre-colonial ethnic unity and shared cultural heritage. The project blends various documentary techniques—observation, exposition, interaction, and reflection.

“The documentary seeks to foster cohesion by examining our interconnected past,” she said. “If we were relating together, then we were one.”

Magara revealed that the idea for the series was inspired by the political intrigue of Game of Thrones, likening Uganda’s 19^th-century power dynamics—particularly involving historical figures like Kabalega and Mwanga—to an epic African saga.

Originally intended as a single short film to attract funding for a full-length feature, the project evolved into a full series following extensive community research. Magara interviewed historians, cultural leaders, and opinion makers across Uganda. “This became my classroom,” she noted. “I learned so much—I think the Department of History should give me an honorary PhD.”

Tuko Pamoja was premiered in the very communities where the research was conducted, receiving support from local media houses and sponsors. Magara credited UBC, NBS, and Vision Group for providing extensive free media coverage. “UBC told me, ‘We are sorry you’re doing what we should have done long ago,’” she recalled.

The series, currently accessible via nyatimotionpictures.com and the upcoming Nyatiflix app, has also generated academic interest, prompting calls to recognize such creative works as legitimate research outputs.

“We must think of film not only as an art but as research and business,” Magara emphasized. “Film is the evening class. If we fail to tell our stories, someone else will do it for us.”

Magara expressed gratitude to her mentors, students, sponsors, and family—including her husband, who helped finance the production. Plans are underway for wider distribution on local television stations and digital platforms.

As the event concluded, Magara left a message for aspiring creatives: “Film is powerful. It’s how we entertain, educate, and decolonize the screen.”

“Lighting the Screen: A Story of Art, Identity, and Nation”

“We need to cultivate an audience. We need to teach our people that consuming art is not luxury—it is culture. It is growth.” Prof. Sr. Dipio Dominica

It was a warm afternoon, and the hall was alive with quiet anticipation. At the front sat three figures who had long walked the corridors of Uganda’s most prestigious institution—each one a torchbearer in the creative arts. Professor Abasi Kiyimba, long known for his eloquence and firm grasp of literature, stood to open the conversation. His voice, familiar and thoughtful, welcomed the audience into a dialogue not just about film, but about the soul of a nation.

“In the Department of Literature,” he began, “we’ve always believed in crossing boundaries. We have mothered other departments—film, drama, music. And now, here we are, watching Uganda retell herself through the lens of the camera.”

He turned to Professor Dominica Dipio, a former student of his who had become a pioneer in Ugandan film. With a soft smile, he asked, “At what point did you realize that film had to be added to the menu of your literary journey?”

Professor Dipio’s response was part memory, part reflection. She traced her path back to the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, where she had gone to study literature. But to her surprise, there was no African literature course. Instead, she was nudged by wise Jesuit professors toward film—a medium they described as an art form closely tied to literature.

“It made sense,” she said. “Storytelling is at the heart of both. Writing with a camera—this is what film allows us to do. It was as though I had been prepared for this all along.”

When she returned to Uganda, she found a generation of students hungry for a new kind of expression. They weren’t waiting to be told what to do. They were already calling themselves filmmakers.

“I had taught them just the basics,” she chuckled, “and they were already making films and introducing themselves as directors. I thought, ‘Please, let’s be humble.’ But inside, I was proud. They had vision.”

From there, Makerere’s halls began to echo not only with poetry and novels but with the buzz of editing software, the click of cameras, and scripts written in digital ink. Film festivals like Maisha, Amakula, and Zanzibar became essential spaces of collaboration. The National Theatre turned into a second campus.

And sitting beside Dipio was another creative soul with his own journey—Dr. Milton Wabyona, a man who had nearly disappeared from the education system.

“I’m a school dropout,” he confessed quietly. “Few people know that. I was studying physics, economics, and math. But I couldn’t pay fees.”

It was music—specifically a dance troupe—that pulled him back. A woman named Dr. Jessica Kawa recognized his talent and gave him a chance.

“I told her, ‘I don’t care what I study. I just want to go back to school.’ That’s how I entered the creative arts.”

Music, he argued, is more than melody. It teaches collaboration, humanity, and interdependence.

“No matter how gifted I am, I can’t sing harmony alone,” he said. “I need others.”

He quoted Plato, reminding the room that the arts were once central to shaping good citizens and preserving culture. The arts, he said, are not just subjects—they are the soul of education.

As the discussion deepened, Prof. Kiyimba asked a profound question: What is this film we just watched? Is it literature? History? Art?

Professor Dipio leaned back and explained that film, as the “seventh art,” gathers all other forms—literature, painting, music, theatre, sculpture—and weaves them into one cohesive experience. She invoked Aristotle to explain how literature and history are both rooted in reality, but art reshapes that reality, making us see it anew.

“Film is a representation,” she said. “It tells history not by simply stating facts, but by shaping them, giving them voice and character.”

Characters like Queen, Mwanga, Kabelega, and others in the film weren’t just historical names—they had become people with motivations, fears, and contradictions. That was the power of art.

Then Dr. Wabyona took the floor once more.

“Music speaks in ways plain words never can,” he said. “You don’t need to understand Lingala to dance to Congolese music. That’s how powerful rhythm and pitch are.”

But behind the excitement lay a persistent concern—money. Could Ugandan cinema be self-sustaining?

Dipio paused before answering. She didn’t sugarcoat it.

“We are not yet consuming enough art,” she said. “We don’t have the culture of going to the cinema like in Burkina Faso, where the whole country stops for the FESPACO film festival.”

Comedy, she admitted, was one area where Ugandans paid. But serious artistic films struggled.

“We need to cultivate an audience. We need to teach our people that consuming art is not luxury—it is culture. It is growth.”

Wabyona agreed. He shared how many Ugandan productions, like Ndere Troupe, offer free shows, yet the audiences are overwhelmingly foreign.

“When your own people don’t show up,” he said, “you begin to understand the kind of crisis we’re in.”

Then, quietly, the conversation turned to the political dangers of art.

“Have you ever censored yourself?” Kiyimba asked Dipio.

She smiled.

“So far, my films have been harmless. But make no mistake—art is political. Even saying it’s not political is a political act.”

She quoted a colleague: “Art disturbs.” And that’s what makes it powerful—and dangerous.

“Where the state seeks to unify, art challenges. It asks hard questions. It stirs the water.”

And yet, art also carries hope.

As the discussion ended, the audience was left with a simple but profound idea: A society can be judged by the art it consumes. In that sense, the future of Uganda’s creative arts isn’t just about budgets, scripts, or shows—it’s about whether its people choose to see themselves on the screen, in the music, in the dance, in the story.

And that choice, perhaps, is the most powerful act of all.

Jane Anyango is the Principal Communication Officer, CHUSS

Centre for Language and Communication Services (CLCS), College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) Makerere University in collaboration with the Korea International
Cooperation Agency (KOICA) invite applications for Korean Language Classes for students and members of the public.

Courses by Level

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Instructor: Wongo Yoon wongoyoon@gmail.com

Registration is open, you can register to join the course any time of the year.

Registration:

To register, call the Centre for Language and Communication Services (CLCS): +256 756 12 8046 / +256 775 424704

For more information Whatsapp: +256 790 505658 (Yoon) / +256 757 710511 (Mariam)

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The Korean Corner is located on the 2^nd floor of the Main Library at Makerere University.

Makerere University, Kampala – May 6, 2025

Makerere University  joined the rest of the world in commemorating World Press Freedom Day with a strong call for greater respect and protection of journalists, particularly as Uganda approaches the 2026 general elections. World Press Freedom Day is observed annually on May 3 to raise awareness about the importance of press freedom and to remind governments of their duty to respect and uphold the right to freedom of expression

This year’s celebration was held under the global theme “Defending the Truth in an Age of Polarization and Distrust”, .It was organised  under the Uganda Media Sector Working Group in collaboration with the Department of Journalism and Communication and media stakeholders including, CIPESA, Oslo Metropolitan University, the Uganda Human Rights Commission, the African Centre for Media Excellence, UNESCO, the Uganda Media Council, and Media Focus on Africa.

The celebration brought together members from academia, media organizations, civil society, government ministries and agencies at the university’s Conference Hall at the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology.

The event featured speeches and a key note address, panel discussions, media awards and trainings on different media aspects including Online security, Misinformation and Fact Checking and, Physical security.

Speakers from various sectors denounced attacks on journalists and urged government agencies to uphold constitutional freedoms, especially during politically sensitive periods. The gathering heard passionate appeals for reforms, including better legal protections for media practitioners and stronger enforcement against those who attack the press.

The celebrations were presided over by Paul Ekoju, Chairperson of the Uganda Media Council, who represented the Minister of ICT and National Guidance. Ekoju emphasized the critical role of journalists in safeguarding democracy, while cautioning against the growing threats to press freedom including physical violence, intellectual compromise, and political interference.

“We must defend the truth,” Ekoju said, referencing recent incidents where journalists were assaulted and detained in Kawempe and Masaka. “Much as we condemn the battering of journalists, we must also recognize the more subtle assaults—brown envelopes, bias, and prejudice that threaten journalistic integrity.”

Ekoju warned against the “adulterated media landscape,” saying it is now saturated with misinformation, citizen journalism, and a loss of public trust in legacy media. “In this digital age, everyone is a journalist. But not everyone is trained to report with sensitivity and accuracy,” he noted.

He revealed that the government, through the Ministry of ICT, is working on new media legislation to address emerging challenges, including defining professional journalism, regulating misinformation, and ensuring media freedom in the digital era. The proposed law is expected to be shared with stakeholders before enactment.

Drawing on a French proverb, Ekoju reminded attendees that while journalists should always seek the truth, they must exercise wisdom and responsibility in its dissemination. “Everything you say should be true, but not everything true should be said,” he remarked.

The event also highlighted the role of journalism students in shaping a more ethical media future. Dr. Aisha and Dr. Tayebwa, both faculty at the university, were recognized for mentoring upcoming reporters.

“In a world of spin and distortion, we need journalists to be the bearers of fact and clarity,” Ekoju concluded, urging the media fraternity to remain professional, united, and engaged with stakeholders as the country heads into an increasingly polarized electoral season.

We Must Defend Press Freedom Amidst Rising Misinformation-Tayeebwa

Dr. William Tayeebwa, representing the Head of the Department and acting as host, delivered opening remarks that highlighted the urgent need to protect journalistic integrity.

“These are perilous times,” said Dr. Tayeebwa. “What happened in Masaka yesterday, the treatment of journalists—anyone who saw it would understand the gravity of the challenges we face. As an academic institution, we recommit ourselves to engaging with all our partners to uphold media freedom the best way we can.”

Dr. Tayeebwa acknowledged a number of long-standing partners, including CIPESA, Oslo Metropolitan University, the Uganda Human Rights Commission, the African Centre for Media Excellence, UNESCO, the Uganda Media Council, and Media Focus on Africa. “These partners,” he said, “have walked this journey with us, and we’re grateful for their continued support.”

Also recognized were key public figures expected to contribute to the discussion, including UPDF spokesperson Felix Kulayige, Executive Director of the Uganda Communications Commission, and Julius Mucunguzi, spokesperson of the Electoral Commission. Students from the department, despite being in the midst of examinations, also attended in notable numbers.

Dr. Tayeebwa emphasized the department’s evolution, hinting at a forthcoming transition to a fully-fledged School of Journalism and Communication, and called on professionals to frequently return as guest lecturers. “Let’s not only meet at events like this,” he urged. “If you have something important to share with our students, our doors are open.”

Uganda Human Rights Commission Reaffirms Commitment to Press Freedom

The Uganda Human Rights Commission  pledged continued support for the protection of press freedom and the promotion of responsible journalism, particularly as the country approaches the 2026 general elections. This reassurance was delivered by Commissioner Lamex Omara Apitta, who represented the Commission Chairperson, Hon. Mariam Wangadya, at the national commemoration of World Press Freedom Day held at Makerere University.

Speaking to to the  gathering,  Omara emphasized the urgent need for collaboration across all sectors to uphold journalistic integrity amid increasing threats.

“This year’s theme, Defending Truth in the Age of Polarization and Distrust, highlights the growing challenges faced by journalists from financial pressures and public skepticism to political interference and digital threats like misinformation and AI-driven surveillance,” said  Omara.

He underscored that the Uganda Human Rights Commission is actively engaged in advocating for human rights-based media policies, monitoring violations of press freedom, and working with security agencies through training and dialogue to ensure journalists’ safety.

As Uganda prepares for its next general elections in 2026, the role of the media in promoting transparency and accountability is more vital than ever, he noted. “From election organizers to observers, the role of journalism in credible elections cannot be overstated. We call on all actors to support media practitioners in fulfilling this constitutional mandate.”

Omara also highlighted the Commission’s efforts to equip journalists through targeted trainings and reinforced the need for early coordination between the media, civil society, and government institutions in the electoral process.

He further praised the organizers of the event held under the Uganda Media Sector Working Group and thanked partners including the African Centre for Media Excellence, UNESCO Uganda, Prowesa East Africa, Media Council of Uganda, and Makerere University’s Department of Journalism and Communication.

“This gathering must not end with speeches,” he urged. “Let it be a launchpad for concrete strategies and joint actions that protect and expand press freedoms in Uganda.”

UNESCO Representative Calls for Protection of Media Freedom, Cites Growing Threats Ahead of Uganda’s 2026 Elections

Daniel Kawesi, Assistant Secretary General for Culture at the Uganda National Commission for UNESCO,  issued a strong call for protection of press freedom and freedom of expression, warning of escalating threats to journalists and media practitioners in the country.

 Kawesi emphasized the media’s indispensable role in sustainable development and democratic accountability. He was representing the Secretary General of the Commission.

“The violence we’ve seen from the 2009 Kayunga riots to the 2021 general elections and the recent by-elections is not just a coincidence,” Kawesi said. “Journalists have paid a heavy price for simply doing their work. And the picture being painted for the 2026 elections is not any more promising.”

Linking national and international concerns, Kawesi drew attention to the dual themes of this year’s World Press Freedom Day: “Defending Truth in the Age of Polarization and Distrust” and “The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and Media Independence.” He warned that growing distrust, misuse of AI technologies, and shrinking civic space threaten both traditional journalism and democratic discourse.

He called on law enforcement, the military, the judiciary, and policy makers to create an enabling environment that upholds freedom of expression and guarantees journalists’ safety. “When freedom of expression disappears, media freedom disappears with it,” he added.

Kawesi also urged stakeholders to remain vigilant throughout the year, not just on commemorative occasions. “These themes must guide our actions, policies, and partnerships—not just today, but every day until we return here next year.”

He praised civil society and development partners for their continued support in celebrating and defending press freedom since UNESCO first designated May 3 as World Press Freedom Day in 1993. He concluded by encouraging attendees to consult the official message from the UNESCO Director-General for a broader global perspective on the issue.

Uganda Media Sector Working Group Urges Inclusive Dialogue on Press Freedom Ahead of 2026 Elections

Charles Bichachi, a leading voice in Uganda’s media industry, emphasized the need for inclusive, sustained dialogue around media freedom and governance as the country heads into a critical election cycle.  Bichachi addressed attendees on behalf of the Uganda Media Sector Working Group (UMSWG), the event’s chief organizer for the fifth consecutive year.

Bichachi briefly outlined the mission and structure of the UMSWG, describing it as a multi-sectoral platform created to bring together all stakeholders in the media ecosystem—from journalists, media owners, and academics to government regulators, advertisers, and civil society actors.

“Many times when we talk about the media, we focus only on journalists and journalism students,” Bichachi said. “But the media includes the people we write about, those who consume it, and those who invest in it. It is a public space, and we must all take responsibility for its health and sustainability.”

The UMSWG, now composed of over 20 member organizations, was established five years ago to address growing polarization within Uganda’s media landscape and to push for reforms around media regulation, sustainability, and professionalism. Its collective approach has enabled diverse actors to engage in meaningful conversation on how to strengthen journalism in Uganda.

With Uganda’s 2026 general elections fast approaching, Bichachi warned that the nation had already witnessed worrying signs of repression, referencing recent media harassment during the Kawempe by-election.

“This is not just a pre-election year—it is an election year. The voting may happen in early 2026, but the political activity is already in full swing,” he noted. “It is a critical moment to reflect on how we can protect and strengthen press freedom during this time.”

Bichachi thanked the media sector partners, including UNESCO, Makerere University, the Uganda Human Rights Commission, and various civil society groups, for their continued collaboration in advancing media freedoms. He called on all stakeholders especially those in government to uphold their roles in ensuring a safe and functional media space for the benefit of democracy.

Ugandan Lawyer Urges Media Unity and Accountability

 Counsel Philip Karugaba, a leading Ugandan lawyer and advocate for media freedom, called on journalists, civil society, and Ugandan citizens to protect the integrity of the nation’s democracy ahead of the 2026 general elections.  Karugaba delivered a stark warning about the deepening polarization, growing institutional mistrust, and the dangers of voter apathy, all of which he believes threaten to undermine Uganda’s democratic processes.

Karugaba, speaking under the theme “Defending Truth in an Age of Authoritarianism and Distrust,” began by honoring Ugandan journalists who, despite facing severe risks, continue to serve as frontline defenders of democracy. “The scars of journalists tell stories of courage,” he remarked, pointing to the ongoing dangers faced by reporters covering elections, especially in volatile environments. He emphasized that the violence directed at journalists during the recent Kawempe North by-election—where media professionals were attacked serves as a reflection of Uganda’s broader crisis of governance.

 He condemned the violence that turned what should have been a peaceful civic exercise into an atmosphere of terror. He asserted that the violent scenes   at polling stations, as well as the assault on journalists, exposed the lack of protection for media workers and citizens during the electoral process, raising questions about the true nature of Uganda’s democracy.

Despite these unfortunate events, Karugaba remained hopeful that polarization, if approached correctly, could increase citizen participation in the electoral process. He cited the Uganda Law Society’s recent elections, which saw the highest voter turnout in history, as evidence that even in highly polarized environments, the desire for democratic engagement can be a powerful force.

A Call for Accountability

Karugaba’s speech centered around three crucial steps he believes will be vital in protecting the truth, fostering media freedom, and ensuring fair elections. The first step, he argued, is accountability. He strongly condemned the assault on journalists during the Kawempe North election and called for a thorough, transparent investigation into the attacks. “Laws like the Press and Journalists Act must be reformed to align with the constitutional promise of free expression,” he said, underscoring that journalists must be protected, not punished calling for justice in these matters as a means of reinforcing the rule of law.

Empowering the Media

The second step Karugaba highlighted was empowerment. He stressed that for journalists to effectively cover elections and hold power to account, they must have access to adequate resources, training, and safety measures. “Taking precaution is not cowardice,” he said, referencing a personal experience during a security drill that had turned into a tense situation with gunfire. He pointed out that journalists in Uganda need more than just legal protection; they need safety training, risk assessments, and the tools to do their jobs in potentially dangerous environments. “Journalists covering elections should be equipped to protect themselves,” Karugaba emphasized, calling on media organizations to prioritize the safety and well-being of their teams.

In this regard, Karugaba encouraged media houses to forge alliances with institutions like the Uganda Law Society and the Uganda Medical Association. These partnerships, he argued, would ensure that injured journalists receive proper medical attention and legal support, fostering a safer environment for them to work in.

Fostering National Unity

The final step Karugaba proposed was unity. He noted that the fight for media freedom is not just a journalist’s concern, but a national one. “When we vote in 2026, we must ask ourselves: Which leaders will protect the press?” he challenged the audience. He encouraged Ugandans to reject self-censorship, embrace open debate, and stand in solidarity with the media. Karugaba also urged the public to focus on shared national goals, such as job creation, health, and peace, which transcend political divides. He called on media houses to run campaigns that unite citizens around these common aspirations, rather than fueling further division.

A Final Plea for Truth

Concluding his address, Karugaba called for an active and engaged citizenry, urging Ugandans to report fearlessly, verify information relentlessly, and hold their leaders accountable. He invoked the words of Nelson Mandela, who famously stated that a critical press is the “lifeblood of democracy.” For Uganda’s democracy to thrive, he emphasized, journalists, citizens, and regulators must all play their part in defending the truth.

“We must write our future with bold and fearless headlines,” Karugaba concluded, “where truth, unity, and democracy take precedence.”

Two Veteran Journalists and Makerere Youth Honored for Outstanding Contribution to Uganda’s Media

 Three prestigious journalism awards were presented by the Uganda Media Sector Working Group to honor outstanding contributions to the development of media and press freedom in the country. The recipients included two towering figures in Ugandan journalism Dr. Zadok Ekimwere and Mr. Drake Ssekeba—as well as a spirited youth team from Makerere University, recognized for their compelling performance in an inter-university media debate.

The awards, which recognize cumulative impact on journalism rather than specific stories or publications, are uniquely designed to spotlight individuals and institutions that have shaped Uganda’s media landscape over time. Previous honorees have included institutions such as UMCAT and UMWA (Uganda Media Women’s Association), veteran journalists like Charles Zziwa, and even unsung heroes like a newspaper vendor who sold newspapers every day for over 20 years—walking nearly 10 kilometers daily. “That’s the kind of dedication that often goes unnoticed in the newsroom,” remarked Charles Bichachi one of the organizers.

Dr. Zadok Ekimwere: From the Voice of Uganda to Training a Generation

The first journalism Lifetime Achievement Award went to Dr. Zadok Ekimwere, whose remarkable 40-year journey in Ugandan media began in the late 1970s. Fresh out of Makerere University in 1977, he joined the Voice of Uganda then infamously dubbed “Voice of Amin” as a features writer. He continued to serve under various regimes, writing for The National Mirror during the Uganda National Liberation Front era, and later moving to The New Visionin 1986, where he rose through the ranks as a sub-editor, features editor, and eventually training editor.

Ekimwere’s influence extended far beyond the newsroom. After earning a PhD in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of South Carolina, he became a respected media trainer, serving briefly at Victoria and Ndejje universities before becoming Principal at UMCAT School of Journalism and Mass Communication between 2017 and 2018. He currently works as a media and communication consultant and remains active in journalism education at UMI.

Accepting the award, Ekimwere gave a poignant speech. “Journalism is not about freebies. I have never taken a bribe,” he declared. He shared stories of editorial resistance, including a moment when he defied orders from a superior to euphemize a currency devaluation. “I insisted on using the correct term devalued.’ I wasn’t sacked. Maybe I missed a promotion, but I was true to journalism.”

Ekimwere expressed deepest pride in the many young journalists he mentored over the decades. “Seeing them write, seeing them debate—I feel very honored,” he said.

Drake Sekeba: Six Decades of Fearless Reporting

The second Lifetime Achievement Award was bestowed upon Mr. Drake Sekeba, one of Uganda’s most enduring and widely respected journalists. His career began in 1965 as a trainee reporter at the Sekanyolya newspaper and would span some of the country’s most turbulent decades. Ssekeba worked with an array of historical newspapers Uganda Argus, The People, Munno, Ngabo, and The Star, among others and later became one of the first journalists to transition fluidly into broadcast.

Sekeba’s long career included dangerous run-ins with both Idi Amin’s and Milton Obote’s regimes, including detention without trial and an attempted shooting at a press conference. But he pressed on. In the early 2000s, he became a household name at WBS Television, producing and presenting widely popular programs such as Tulatogere, Motesana, and the long-running investigative series Vumbula.

He is also a published author, with works like Media Bullets in Uganda: A Reference Guide to the History of Newspapers and their Role in Politics and the Church.

Visibly moved as he accepted his award, Sekeba said, “This is the first time I am getting a brown envelope—and for Jesus, it is the right time.” He reaffirmed his love for journalism and shared an anecdote about a minister once attempting to influence coverage. “I told my boss: I will give the minister good press—if I can interview the other side. And I did. Fair and balanced. That’s journalism.”

Makerere University Students Honored for Press Freedom Debate Victory

The final award celebrated the future of journalism—a vibrant student team from Makerere University, who won the Inter-University Media Debate hosted by the Media Challenge Initiative. The debate focused on the provocative question: “Has social media advanced or hindered press freedom?” and featured teams from Uganda Christian University, Kampala International University, and Makerere University.

Judged on depth, clarity, and understanding of media ethics, the students from Makerere emerged victorious after a spirited face-off with Uganda Christian University in the final round.

In their acceptance remarks, the students highlighted their commitment to truth and accountability. One student echoed George Orwell, saying: “Journalism is printing what someone else doesn’t want printed. Everything else is public relations.” Another added, “We’ve been told we are the leaders of tomorrow, but tomorrow is here. Our voices must rise above oppression. Our time is now.”

Jan Ajwang, a lead judge and member of the Uganda Media Sector Working Group, emphasized the importance of mentorship across generations. “The young can learn from the old—and the old can learn from the young,” she said.

The day closed with training sessions conducted by CIPESA on different media aspects in three breakaway venues on Online security, Misinformation and Fact Checking and, Physical security.

The 2025 Press Freedom Day celebrations not only honored legacy and longevity but also served as a bridge between generations. From the principled resistance of veteran journalists like Ekimwere and Ssekeba to the bold convictions of student debaters, the day underscored a unifying message: journalism in Uganda must continue to stand as a pillar of truth, justice, and public accountability.

“Whether you are 20 or 70,” said one attendee, “it’s clear—Uganda’s media still has heroes, and its future is still worth fighting for.”

Jane Anyango is the Principal Communication Officer, CHUSS