The WAN-IFRA Women in News (WIN) Alumni Network in Uganda has elected new chapter leaders, with Vivian Kamusiime emerging as Chapter Leader after a competitive vote among members.
The elections brought together alumni of the WIN Leadership Accelerator Programme at Protea Hotel Kampala Skyz, where participants selected leaders to steer the network across three key positions: Chapter Leader, Chapter Engagement and Operations Lead, and Chapter Advocacy and Partnerships Lead.
Kamusiime defeated fellow contenders, including Catherine Namugerwa, a journalist with Next Media Services, and Scovia Nakamya, a media consultant, to secure the top leadership position.
Meanwhile, Sarah Biryomumaisho was elected Chapter Engagement and Operations Lead, while Lominda Afedraru took on the role of Chapter Advocacy and Partnerships Lead.
The WAN-IFRA WIN Alumni Network is a community-driven, volunteer-led platform built on the principles of stewardship, advocacy, and shared ownership. Its strength lies in collective action, peer accountability, and a shared commitment to advancing gender equality in the media.
Speaking after the elections, the newly elected leaders pledged to work together to achieve the network’s goals, with a strong focus on mentorship and empowering members to amplify the voices of women in media.
“We are committed to working as a team to ensure that all members are supported and mentored so they can grow professionally and contribute meaningfully to their communities,” Kamusiime said.
Caroline Phiri-Lubwika, Manager of the Accelerator and Alumni Programme at WAN-IFRA Women in News, explained that the formation of national chapters is aimed at strengthening connections among members and fostering collaboration.
“These chapters were created to help members network and connect with each other. Each cohort brings unique skills and experiences, and when they come together, they form a strong support system where they can learn, mentor, and grow together,” Phiri-Lubwika said.
She added that establishing structured leadership within the network is key to unlocking its full potential.
“We realized this is a valuable resource that has been underutilized. By creating a structure, members can initiate activities like training and mentorship and, in the long run, give back to the network,” she explained.
Phiri-Lubwika emphasized that the network is rooted in volunteerism, with leaders expected to guide through service, advocacy, and shared responsibility.
“We want this community to be led through volunteer leadership. The secretariat will support them, but the ideas and activities should be driven by the members themselves,” she added.
She also expressed confidence in the newly elected leaders, pledging continued support from the secretariat to ensure the success of their initiatives.
“We wish the new leadership all the best and assure them of our full support. We will provide guidance, resources, and direction to help them achieve their goals,” Phiri-Lubwika said.
The newly elected team is expected to play a key role in strengthening the Uganda chapter, promoting collaboration, and advancing the visibility and impact of women journalists within the media industry.
