State Minister for Planning, David Bahati today urges the Journalism fraternity to resist sensational reporting.
Bahati who was chief guest at the Annual Media Convention 2015 at Makerere University pointed out a national paper that had reported on false facts about the president.
“Red Peeper falsely wrote about President Museveni going to commit suicide. It is humorous but it hurts all of us. We should focus on comparative and analytical issues in relation to National development. Also tap into the rich and unexploited culture like animation”, said Bahati.
The convention organized by the department of Journalism under the theme” Media ICTs and Development: the Era of productivity and transformation of Journalism and Communication showcased presentations from different speakers about the ICT contribution towards journalism work.
In earlier days, a journalist ought to have a pen and a notebook to be in the field but things have changed because of the usage of digital gadgets like mobile phones, notebooks and laptops. According to International Development Research in Canada, Africa has registered a regional mobile growth rate at 43% amidst challenges like low speed internet, airtime and other shortfalls”, said Professor Goretti Linda, Graduate Programs Coordinator at Makerere University.
The Director Communications, Bank of Uganda, Christine Alupo commented on the adoption of communication and strategic policies, and reputational risk management frameworks that serve the stakeholders.
The UMEME Communication Director, Henry Rugamba advised the audience to utilize all media platforms to communicate uncertainties to specific publics. “UMEME used to advertise on selected radio stations on different programmes in their eligible languages about load shedding in the different parts of the country”.
Dr. William Tayeebwa, Head of Department of Journalism and Communication, revealed the departments’ plan to launch Campus FM and Television after establishing a private partnership on Makerere holdings.
Tayeebwa requested for financial support from government (represented by State Minister) in regards to the expansion of department and remuneration of professors.
Bahati pledged to continue supporting the fraternity and also reminded the public about the NRM good works in relation to liberalizing media concerning a wide range of issues. He said that in correspondence to the upcoming elections in 2016.
The convention was sponsored by UMEME, Observer newspaper, NTV Uganda, BOU, Vision group, Parliament of Uganda,UCC, Monitor Publications Ltd, UWA, Office of Prime Minister, Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development and Electricity Regulation Authority.
