The role of the media to contribute effectively to development transformation under Uganda Vision 2040 has been boosted with training of journalists on evidence based reporting, development communication, conflict sensitive reporting with a focus on marginalized groups.
This training of journalists and editors to train fellow media practitioners has been started off by Media Council to contribute to quality of Media content in Uganda, started off on 2nd November at Source of the Nile Hotel Jinja.
The main objective of this program is to;
- Equip skills to 25 selected Ugandan Journalists and Editors on evidence based reporting, conflict sensitive journalism, development reporting with focus on rule of law, constitutional democracy and human rights as an initial phase for further training across the country in a bid to improve media content.
- Facilitate trains with hands on training using exercises and appropriate media report samples to help participants analyze and obtain lessons learnt and good reporting.
Media Council working with expert consultants has deployed several approaches and methodologies:
- The training is based on participatory approach and adult learning techniques. This seeks for full participation of the trainees. Given the Subject matter and methods of the training, the Consultants utilize various tools for the research;
- The training is guided by the Consultant’s training with modules on evidence based reporting,, conflict sensitive journalism and development reporting with focus on rule of law, constitutional democracy and human rights
Other varied training methods incorporated are illustrated through talk, Group Discussion, Group Work, Brainstorming, Lecture, Role-play, Game Simulation, Project Work and Individual/ group Assignments.
Joan Mugenzi one of the lead consultants takes Journalists and Edotors through practical sessions in Jinja at Source of the Nile Hotel
Under a partnership of Government and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Media Council as an implementing party targets to improve quality of media content and effective public voice and participation in democratic processes and building of a just society.
After carrying out a survey of close to 700 journalists that participated in the Post Elections Media Dialogue early April – June 2016 across the country, 25 journalists and editors were selected and are now being trained to train fellow journalists and editors across the regions of Uganda.