Next Media quartet shortlisted for Uganda journalism awards

Jamila Mulindwa, Julius Bakabaage and Nelson Byebyala, who are jointly shortlisted in the political reporting category, are joined by Hakim Wampamba who was lifted into the finalists' roster for his eye for energy and natural resources reporting.

Four Next Media journalists have been shortlisted for the 10th Annual Uganda National Journalism Awards.

Jamila Mulindwa, who took home two awards last year, is joined by Julius Bakabaage and Nelson Byebyala in the political reporting category, while Hakim Wampamba was lifted into the finalists' roster for his eye for energy and natural resources reporting.

The Uganda National Journalism Awards are the country’s premier celebration of journalistic excellence.

The African Centre for Media Excellence (ACME), who organise the awards, said it inspires journalists to push boundaries, tackle critical issues, and drive positive change.

Dr George Lugalambi, ACME’s executive director, said for a decade, these awards have recognised the extraordinary work of journalists in informing, educating, and engaging the public.

"They affirm the vital role of the media in our evolving world,” he said.

ACME said 154 journalists participated in the awards process. Of these, 36 percent were female, up from 27 percent in 2023.

A distinguished panel of 14 experienced media professionals rigorously assessed the submissions.

"The judges were particularly impressed by the efforts of those journalists who adhered to the new requirement to submit a body of work," ACME said.

"They hope that this trend will continue and expand in the coming year."

The finalists will be honoured at a gala event on Wednesday July 31 at Mestil Hotel in Kampala.

A new era of competition

While releasing the shortlist for the finalists, ACME said this year’s competition marked a significant departure from previous editions.

Instead of assessing individual entries, the awards were judged by a journalist’s overall body of work and its impact.

Journalists submitted at least three and up to five pieces per category to demonstrate their thematic expertise and consistent quality within their chosen field.

"While this new approach elevated the bar for excellence, it also presented challenges," ACME said.

"Approximately half of the participating journalists did not fully adapt to the new criteria, continuing to submit single entries rather than the required body of work."

For the judges, a consistently high standard across multiple news events or topics within a chosen area is essential for exceptional journalism.

Uganda National Journalism Awards 2024 shortlist

Agriculture reporting

• Henry Okurut, UBC Television
• Joshua Kato, New Vision
• Martin Amayiko, Radio Simba

Business, economy and finance reporting

• Ismail Musa Ladu, Daily Monitor
• Ronah Nahabwe, Smart24 TV
• Ronald Musoke, The Independent

Community reporting

• Barbara Nalweyiso, Daily Monitor
• Dan Ayebare, Solutions Now Africa
• Hafiz Bakhit, Vision Group

Education reporting

• Damali Mukhaye, Daily Monitor
• Dorothy Nagitta, Daily Monitor
• Ivan S. Tolit, 102 Mega FM

Energy and natural resources reporting

• Hakim Wampamba, NBS Television
• John Odyek, New Vision
• John Okot, Freelance journalist

Environment reporting

• Daniel Wandera, Daily Monitor
• Michael Wambi, Uganda Radio Network
• Simon Chris Makanga, Agatha Nambuya and Brian Alvin Mugerwa, Athari Media Support Africa

Health reporting

• Rhonet Atwiine, Solutions Now Africa
• Samuel Ssebuliba, Spark TV
• Walter Mwesigye, NTV Uganda

Justice, law and order reporting

• Christopher P. Kayonga, Daily Monitor
• Ibrahim Ruhweza, New Vision
• Simon Masaba, New Vision

Political reporting

• Jamila Mulindwa, Yiga Julius Bakabaage and Nelson Babyale, NBS Television
• Mary Karugaba and Henry Ssekanjako, New Vision
• Umaru Kashaka, New Vision

Public accountability reporting

• Charles Etukuri, New Vision
• Daniel Lutaaya, News 24/7
• Esther Oluka, Daily Monitor
• Jacobs Seaman Odongo, Daily Monitor

Public works and infrastructure reporting

• Julius Barigaba, The EastAfrican

Religion reporting

• Eddy Olwa, UBC Television
• Hasifu Ssekiwunga, BBS Terefayina
• Joyce Ritah Nakato, NTV Uganda

Science and technology reporting

• Paul Murungi, Daily Monitor

Sports reporting

• Joseph Batte, New Vision
• Olivia Nakatte, New Vision

Traditions and culture reporting

• Benjamin Jumbe, NTV Uganda
• Julius Odeke, New Vision
• Stellah Nandawula, BBS Terefayina

Urbanisation and human settlements reporting

• Raziah Athman, Urban TV
• Scovia Culton Nakamya and Devis Muhumuza, BBS Terefayina

Institutional awards – Digital innovation and Newsroom and Editorial transformation

• InfoNile
• News 24/7