Kampala International University (KIU) emerged victorious at the 2024 National Newsroom Contest organized by the Media Challenge Initiative, securing top honors in both the Luganda and English categories in a celebration of journalistic talent and creativity.
The annual contest, held on Friday, brought together eight universities included KIU, Uganda Christian University, Uganda Martyrs University, YMCA, Ndejje University, Victoria University, St. Lawrence University, and Makerere Institute of Social Development. Participants competed by demonstrating their reporting and anchoring skills, focusing on critical themes of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, and SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.
Judges included prominent media personalities such as former Next Media anchor Rukh-Shana Namuyimba and BBC journalist Shanice Kacungira, who lauded the participants for their creativity and understanding of pressing global issues.
Media Challenge Initiative CEO Abaas Mpindi emphasized the competition’s importance in bridging the generational gap in journalism. “The media has an age problem. Despite young people forming the majority of the population, they are invisible in media—neither as storytellers, sources, nor experts. If the population is young, why isn’t the media reflecting that?” Mpindi remarked.
Launched in 2013, the National Newsroom Contest has become a launchpad for aspiring journalists, equipping them with practical skills and industry insights. KIU’s victory highlights the institution’s commitment to fostering excellence in journalism education and its students’ ability to compete on a national stage.
This year’s outstanding participants will be honored at an awards ceremony on December 13, where they will receive recognition for their talent and contributions to shaping the future of media in Uganda.
The event underscores the transformative power of nurturing young storytellers who can reflect the realities of their peers and their communities, ensuring a more inclusive and representative media landscape.
