Journalists from various districts in the Busoga sub-region attended the fourth annual Busoga Media Iftar at Jinja City Hall, an event that fosters professional dialogue, networking, and reflection during the holy month of Ramadan.
The dinner, spearheaded by Ibrahim Shamir Byakika, attracted dignitaries from government, the Busoga Kingdom, and the Muslim community.
Hajj Karim Kaliisa, general manager of Salam TV and Salam Charity, called on journalists to dedicate airtime to stories promoting peace, unity, and development, rather than focusing primarily on negative narratives.
“We have many good things happening in our country, but in most cases you people in the media do not spare time to talk about those good things,” Kaliisa said.
He also announced plans to spend much of the year in the Busoga sub-region implementing development projects through Salam Charity, inviting media practitioners to partner in supporting the region’s transformation.
Kaliisa further encouraged Muslim journalists to maintain exemplary professional conduct, emphasizing integrity and honesty as central to their faith and work.
Rtd Col Dhamuzungu Oguli, regional commissioner for Busoga RDCs, urged journalists to diversify income sources beyond media work and take advantage of government livelihood programs, including livestock initiatives under Operation Wealth Creation.
The 2nd Deputy Katukiro of the Busoga Kingdom, Alhaji Osman Noor, reminded media practitioners of their critical oversight role as the “fourth estate” and urged accuracy and impartiality in reporting.
Jinja North MP-elect Hussein Muyonjo, also a radio presenter at Baba FM, highlighted the need for unity within the profession, noting that rivalries and paid attacks among journalists create unnecessary divisions.
He accepted a call to mediate and reconcile factions within the Busoga media fraternity.
Organised annually during Ramadan, the Busoga Media Iftar strengthens professional relationships while providing a platform for dialogue on issues affecting the media industry.
Event organiser Ibrahim Shamir Byakika acknowledged long-term support from dignitaries such as Minister Justine Kasule Lumumba and Third Deputy Prime Minister Lukia Nakadama.
The gathering concluded with a collective call for journalists to uphold responsible reporting, foster unity in the profession, and actively participate in development initiatives benefiting communities across the Busoga sub-region.