Awards were conferred to faculty and students who have demonstrated exceptional impact and scholarship.
By Our Reporter
Journalist Chowoo Willy of The Elephant Publications has won the prestigious Global Student Award for Impact and Innovation at Aga Khan University (AKU), in recognition of his transformative work in inclusive journalism, digital innovation, and media capacity building across East Africa.
Chowoo, a graduate of the University’s Graduate School of Media and Communications (GSMC), was honoured during AKU’s 2026 convocation ceremony, which celebrated 134 graduates across disciplines including medicine, nursing, midwifery, journalism, and media leadership. The ceremony was presided over by the University’s Pro-Chancellor, Princess Zahra Aga Khan, and attended by His Highness the Aga Khan, Chancellor of the University.
In his convocation address, the Chancellor urged the Class of 2025 to harness the “extraordinary opportunity” of modern knowledge to address global challenges and improve human life. He described education as an “enduring conviction” at the heart of the Aga Khan Development Network, emphasizing that when one individual is educated, a ripple effect extends to families and communities.
Awards were conferred to faculty and students who have demonstrated exceptional impact and scholarship. Chowoo Willy from the Graduate School of Media and Communications received the Global Student Award for Impact and Innovation and Monicah Njeru Macharia from the School of Nursing and Midwifery, East Africa received the Academic Excellence Award in Nursing.
Chowoo’s award recognizes not only academic excellence but also measurable social impact through journalism and innovation.
Driving Inclusive Media Innovation
Throughout his academic journey, Chowoo pioneered initiatives aimed at strengthening inclusive and accountable media systems in East Africa.
He supported hearing-impaired communities in combating the spread of misinformation by leveraging digital tools and Artificial Intelligence to improve access to verified information. His work promoted inclusive AI practices that ensure marginalized communities, particularly women and persons with disabilities, are not excluded from digital transformation.
He has trained journalists in Uganda on gender-responsive communication, equipping media practitioners with tools to report more fairly and accurately on gender issues and marginalized groups. His work has advanced the creation of gender-inclusive newsrooms and storytelling frameworks that challenge stereotypes and promote equity.
Chowoo also led training programs on mobile storytelling and digital innovation, helping journalists adopt multimedia tools to produce impactful stories. In climate journalism, he trained reporters on using digital tools and data-driven techniques to strengthen reporting on climate change and environmental sustainability.
Strengthening Community Media and Fact-Checking
Chowoo has conducted capacity-building programs targetting marganised communities for inclusive community radio stations serving refugees and persons living with albinism in East Africa. These initiatives focused on newsroom management, content development, audience engagement, and social media optimization.
The Community radio stations that benefited the capacity building includes REF Fm , Kyangwali Refugee Settlement in Uganda and REF Fm, Ukwere, Mwanza Islandin Tanzania
In response to rising misinformation and declining public trust, he introduced structured fact-checking practices into newsrooms beginning with Choice Fm where he previously worked as the news editor. By promoting verification standards and digital literacy, he helped strengthen editorial accountability and credibility in an era increasingly shaped by online disinformation.
Colleagues describe Willy as a solutions-driven journalist who bridges academic research with newsroom practice—ensuring innovation translates into tangible community impact.
Simon Wokorach of Northern Uganda Media Club describes his innovation as a big achievement for the persons with hearing-impairments.
” His initiative for the hearing-impaired individuals is undeniable, it speaks for itself , and we congratulate him upon this great achievement”, he adds.
Speaking after receiving the award, Willy noted that journalism must go beyond reporting events to shaping conversations that influence policy and empower communities.
“The true measure of opportunity is not what it gives us, but what we choose to give back as a result of it,” he said, echoing the spirit of the convocation ceremony.
The Global Student Award for Impact and Innovation recognizes students who demonstrate exceptional academic excellence, creativity, leadership, and tangible contributions to society during their course of study.
A Milestone for Impact Journalism
The Global Student Award for Impact and Innovation is conferred upon students who demonstrate exceptional leadership, creativity, integrity, and societal contribution during their course of study.
Chowoo’ s achievement marks a significant milestone not only in his academic and professional journey but also for The Elephant Publications, reinforcing its growing reputation as a platform committed to investigative, inclusive, and community-centered journalism in East Africa
The Managing Director for the Elephant Publications, Ojok James Onono, The Managing Director of The Elephant Publications, Ojok James Onono, described Willy’s achievement as a proud moment for the newsroom and a validation of the publication’s commitment to impactful, inclusive, and accountability-driven journalism across East Africa.
As graduates were reminded during the ceremony, the true measure of opportunity lies not in what one receives, but in what one gives back. For Willy, the award stands as recognition of a career dedicated to using journalism as a tool to influence policy, redefine leadership, and improve lives
Chowoo graduated with Master of Arts Digital Journalism.
