Education
Kampala International University (KIU) triumphed at the National Newsroom Contest organized by the Media Challenge Initiative on Friday, clinching top honors in both the Luganda and English categories.
The annual competition, designed to nurture journalism talent, brought together eight universities: Uganda Christian University, Uganda Martyrs University, YMCA, Ndejje University, Victoria University, St Lawrence University, Makerere Institute of Social Development, and the eventual winners, KIU.
Participants showcased their news reporting and anchoring skills, focusing on Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 8, “Decent Work and Economic Growth,” and SDG 16, “Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.”
The event was judged by notable media professionals, including former Next Media anchor Rukh-Shana Kitaka – formerly known as Namuyimba – and BBC journalist Nancy Kacungira.
Media Challenge Initiative CEO Abaas Mpindi emphasized the competition’s role in preparing young people to tell stories relevant to their peers.
“The media has an age problem. Despite young people forming the majority of the population, they are invisible in media—neither as storytellers, sources, nor experts. The question is, if the population is young, why isn’t the media reflecting that?” Mpindi asked.
The competition, launched in 2013, has served as a stepping stone for many aspiring media professionals.
Outstanding students from this year’s contest will be recognized during an awards ceremony on December 13.
