Journalists in Teso have resolved to pursue financial independence and professionalism as the foundation for restoring credibility and freedom in the media industry, amid growing concern over political manipulation and dependency on handouts.
The resolution was made during a meeting of the Teso Journalists for Community Empowerment (TEJFOCE) held on Monday at Hyde Park in Soroti City.
The gathering brought together reporters from both public and private media outlets to discuss strategies for upholding integrity, economic empowerment, and unity ahead of the 2026 general elections.
Emmanuel Opio, the TEJFOCE chairperson, said journalists must end their reliance on political handouts if they are to regain public trust.
He noted that many reporters have fallen prey to manipulation because of financial vulnerability, which undermines their ability to report objectively.
“Financial empowerment is the first step to press freedom. When journalists depend on politicians for survival, they lose their independence. We must build our own sustainability through savings and projects,” Opio said.
He urged members to actively participate in TEJFOCE’s savings group, emphasizing that collective effort and discipline would strengthen the fraternity.
He warned that journalists who continue to rely on handouts risk eroding the very principles of their profession.
“A journalist who cannot survive without a handout cannot speak truth to power. Let’s build our strength from within,” he said.
Opio also cautioned against the emergence of rival media associations in the region, saying divisions weaken the collective voice of journalists and create opportunities for political interference.
“Unity does not mean uniformity. We can have diversity of thought but one vision—to protect journalism and empower our communities,” he added.
Several journalists echoed Opio’s message, urging colleagues to rebuild integrity and teamwork.
Eddy Enuru of Next Media observed that internal disunity had slowed the profession’s progress in the region, calling for a culture of collaboration rather than competition.
“We have to drop the mindset of working in isolation. Together, we can influence policies, protect each other, and promote ethical journalism,” Enuru said.
Emmanuel Odeke of Kyoga Veritas Radio appealed to leaders of other associations such as TEMID to work with TEJFOCE to speak with one voice for the region’s journalists.
“When we unite, we speak louder. Rival groups only weaken us and empower those who want to control the media,” Odeke said.
Kenneth Odele of NTV Uganda stressed the importance of accountability and financial discipline, urging members to honour commitments such as loan repayments to sustain TEJFOCE’s projects.
“Professionalism also means responsibility. Let’s keep our books clean and our work transparent,” he said.
As Uganda heads into another election season, the journalists agreed to uphold safety, integrity, and fairness in their coverage.
They warned that political actors often exploit vulnerable media practitioners to push propaganda and discredit genuine reporting.
“Elections come and go, but your life and reputation as a journalist are permanent. Let’s cover politics responsibly and protect our credibility,” Opio advised.
TEJFOCE’s renewed focus on self-reliance, unity, and ethical journalism marks a turning point for the Teso media fraternity—one that seeks to replace dependency with dignity and professionalism with purpose.