President Museveni has pledged Shs 100 million to support the Savings and Credit Cooperative Organization (SACCO) for journalists in Karamoja.
The announcement was made during a media engagement with Karamoja-based journalists at the Morulinga State Lodge, where the President concluded a three-day visit as part of his nationwide tour.
The request for the funding and a media van was made through Timothy Eodu, News Editor at Akica FM, and received overwhelming backing from the Karamoja journalist fraternity.
The President lauded their initiative and commitment to advancing journalism in the region, emphasising the role of the media in fostering development and accountability.
“I commend you for organising yourselves into a SACCO. This shows that you are forward-thinking and focused on improving your economic well-being. I will ensure that the Shs 100 million is made available to your SACCO to support your activities and growth,” President Museveni announced to cheers from the journalists.
The President also committed to providing a fully equipped media van to ease coverage of events in the expansive Karamoja sub-region, which often faces logistical challenges due to its rugged terrain.
“This van will support your work, enabling you to cover stories from even the most remote areas. The government values your role in informing and educating the public, and we shall ensure you have the tools to do so,” Museveni added.
The announcement has sparked excitement among journalists in Karamoja, many of whom have struggled with limited resources in their efforts to report on the unique challenges and opportunities in the region.
Timothy Eodu, who spearheaded the request, expressed gratitude on behalf of his colleagues. “This is a historic moment for journalists in Karamoja. The President’s support will not only improve our livelihoods but also enhance our ability to highlight issues affecting our communities,” Eodu said.
Following the engagement, a public rally held in Kotido capped off Museveni’s three-day visit to Karamoja, during which he inspected government projects, met local leaders, and addressed development challenges in the region.
The President reaffirmed his government’s commitment to transforming Karamoja through infrastructure, security, and economic empowerment initiatives, noting that the media’s contribution would be instrumental in achieving these goals.
As journalists await the formalisation of the promised funding and resources, the pledge has reignited discussions about the importance of investing in local media to bridge information gaps and amplify regional voices.