KAMPALA – In a move aimed at strengthening the media’s role in national development, the Executive Director of the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), Mr. Nyombi Thembo, has directed his team to fast-track plans for a capacity-building retreat for journalists and media practitioners.
The high-level session is slated to take place at the National Leadership Institute (NALI) in Kyankwanzi, a facility renowned for hosting leadership training for various national institutions.
The initiative, as emphasized by ED Thembo, recognizes the media as a “key partner in National Development.” The retreat is designed to deepen journalists’ understanding of the government’s core priorities and strategic development plans.
A source within the Commission revealed that the program will focus on equipping media professionals with the context and insight needed to align their reporting with national objectives. The overarching goal is to foster a more cohesive and responsible media landscape that accurately reflects Uganda’s developmental journey.
“We cannot overstate the importance of having a media fraternity that is fully aware of the national priorities,” Mr. Thembo stated. “This engagement is not about curtailing press freedom, but about enhancing constructive and responsible reporting that supports the country’s growth agenda.”
The planned retreat is expected to cover topics such as the nuances of Uganda’s development frameworks, ethical reporting in a developing context, and the media’s role in promoting social cohesion and accurate information dissemination.
While the exact dates and list of participants are yet to be finalized, the directive from the UCC’s top leadership signals an urgent push to get the program underway. The move has sparked conversations within media circles, with many anticipating the potential outcomes of such a high-level engagement between regulators and practitioners.
The UCC has previously engaged with media owners and managers on similar issues, but this planned retreat appears to be one of the most comprehensive efforts aimed directly at a broad spectrum of journalists and media practitioners.
