By Ojok Tonny
The fraternity of professional journalists has been urged to maintain the integrity and fairness of their reporting by avoiding the blending of journalism and politics. This call was made by the 4th Division Commander, Maj. Gen. Felix Busizoori, during the end-of-year celebration organized by the Northern Uganda Media Club (NUMEC) at Kacoke Madit Hotel in Gulu City.
Maj. Gen. Busizoori emphasized that intertwining journalism with political interests undermines talent and creates conflicts of interest that compromise journalistic ethics. He urged journalists to avoid spreading unverified content from social media, cautioning that it damages the credibility of the profession. Additionally, he reassured the media of continued collaboration with security forces to foster a conducive environment for their work.
The event also featured Gulu City Mayor, Hon. Okwanga Alfred, who encouraged journalists to explore alternative income streams, particularly through modern agriculture. He highlighted the economic potential of cultivating Shia trees and engaging in spice farming as sustainable ventures alongside their journalism careers.
Veteran journalist Denis Ojwee, with over three decades of experience since 1988, challenged his colleagues to focus on investigative reporting to enhance their impact and credibility. Meanwhile, Gulu University’s Public Relations Officer, James Onono Ojok, an international award-winning journalist, underscored the importance of education in advancing careers in journalism. He advocated for more government initiatives to support journalists in the region, including housing and financial incentives for exceptional contributors to the media sector.
Chowoo Willy, an award-winning journalist and environmental conservation advocate, encouraged his peers to address critical community issues, maintain ethical standards, and leverage emerging technologies to remain relevant in an evolving media landscape.
NUMEC launched its inaugural media awards to honor journalists in Northern Uganda for their outstanding contributions to quality journalism and their unwavering commitment to truth, integrity, and excellence. The first recipients of these prestigious awards were Anena Rosemary of Radio Rupiny and Chowoo Willy of Choice FM, recognized as the Best Female and Male Journalists of the Year, respectively.
Oryema Alfred from NUMEC announced that the awards would become an annual tradition, with plans to organize an even bigger media awards event next year to celebrate and recognize exceptional performance in the journalism profession.
The gala celebrated excellence in media while reinforcing the essential values of integrity, innovation, and community service among journalists in the region.
JOURNALISTS IN PICTORIAL DURING THE MEDIA CELEBRATION
