Since its inception in 2019, Uganda Media Week has steadily become a cornerstone for fostering dialogue and collaboration among media professionals, civil society, government representatives, and international partners in Uganda. Organized by Media Focus on Africa (MFA), the event has created an essential platform for discussing the challenges, opportunities, and future of journalism and media in Uganda, amidst the changing socio-political and technological landscape.

The Origins and Vision

Uganda Media Week was launched with a vision of providing a much-needed space where critical issues affecting journalism and the media could be discussed openly, leading to meaningful and transformative change. At its core, the conference focuses on empowering journalists and media organizations to improve the quality of journalism, bolster media freedoms, and enhance accountability.

The main themes over the years have echoed the pressing needs of the media landscape:

• 2019: “Journalism in the Digital Era” – The debut theme focused on the rapid transformation of media with the rise of digital technologies. Discussions revolved around how Ugandan media houses could adapt, innovate, and integrate digital tools into their journalism practices.
• 2020: “The Role of Media in Promoting Democracy” – This theme highlighted the critical role of journalists in upholding democratic processes and ensuring transparency, particularly in election years. Key conversations delved into how the media could effectively report on elections and promote civic engagement.
• 2021: “Navigating the Impact of COVID-19 on Journalism” – The global pandemic shifted the way journalism operated, and Uganda was no exception. This year’s theme explored how newsrooms were affected, how journalists had to adapt, and the challenges faced in reporting critical information amidst lockdowns and health crises.
• 2022: “Media Accountability in the Age of Misinformation” – As fake news and misinformation threatened the very core of journalism, Uganda Media Week addressed how journalists could uphold their credibility and resist the spread of disinformation. The discussions centered on journalistic integrity, fact-checking, and digital literacy.
• 2023: “Public Interest and the Future of Journalism” – With dwindling revenues in traditional media, the focus was on how to ensure the sustainability of media organizations while maintaining high-quality journalism. Strategies around diversification of revenue streams, digital monetization, and public-interest journalism were shared.

A Platform for Critical Conversations

Each year, Uganda Media Week brings together over 200 participants, including journalists, media house owners, editors, academics, civil society organizations, donors, and policymakers. It offers a unique hybrid model of participation, with both online and offline engagements to ensure accessibility and inclusivity.

Panel discussions, keynote addresses, and world cafés have led to powerful recommendations and reflections on the current state of the media in Uganda. Some key highlights from past events include:

“Media freedom is essential to democracy and development. Without an independent media, there can be no real accountability.” – This quote from a keynote speaker during the 2020 conference captures the ongoing concern about the protection of journalists and their ability to report freely without fear of persecution or censorship.

“We cannot ignore the digital wave sweeping through journalism. It is both an opportunity and a challenge, but it is also an inevitability.” – A participant’s observation during the 2019 conference emphasized the need for media houses to embrace digital tools and innovations.

The Impact and Testimonials

The Uganda Media Week has provided numerous journalists and media professionals with practical tools and knowledge. Here are some testimonials:

• “Attending the Uganda Media Week opened my eyes to new ways of reporting on elections. The insights shared were invaluable for covering the 2021 elections.” – A senior political reporter from a national newspaper.
• “The discussions on media viability gave us real strategies to ensure our newsroom continues to thrive, even in tough financial times.” – A media house owner in Western Uganda.
• “Learning about how to counter misinformation has strengthened my approach as a fact-checker. I now know how to better navigate the sea of false information on social media.” – A digital journalist who attended the 2022 conference.

The Role of Women in Media

One of the standout panels has always been the Women in Media segment, which has been a constant feature since 2019. Discussions have revolved around ensuring that female journalists are adequately represented, that their issues are heard, and that they are protected from workplace harassment.

“We must ensure that women have an equal seat at the media table, whether in the newsroom or in leadership positions. Their voices matter.” – This call to action, made during the 2021 conference, highlights the ongoing efforts to push for gender-sensitive policies in Ugandan media houses.

The Future Vision

As Uganda Media Week moves into its sixth edition, the focus is on the future. The 2024 theme, “Media, Elections, and Accountability”, seeks to address the media’s role in the upcoming 2026 general elections. How can journalists ensure that citizens are well-informed, that political candidates are held accountable, and that the election process remains transparent? These questions will be central to the upcoming event.

MFA’s Program Manager, Jan Ajwang, has expressed optimism about the future of journalism in Uganda: “We believe that with sustained dialogue and commitment to improving the media landscape, we can create an environment where journalists can thrive, media houses can be sustainable, and the public can trust the information they receive.”

The future of Uganda Media Week is not just about conversations—it is about actionable steps that push the media industry towards a more vibrant, transparent, and accountable future.

Looking Forward: Uganda Media Week 2024

The upcoming Uganda Media Week 2024 promises to be bigger and better, featuring prominent speakers, seasoned journalists, and thought leaders in the media industry.

It will focus on themes such as Media and Elections, Public Accountability, Disinformation in the Digital Age, and Sustainability of Media Organizations.

The event will also feature interactive workshops, masterclasses, and networking opportunities for media professionals across the region.