Rubirizi,Uganda – Journalists and social media bloggers in Rubirizi District have united to uphold professionalism, community impact, and economic empowerment among media practitioners.
The meeting, held today at Rubirizi Cottages Hotel in Ndekye Town, Rubirizi District, aimed at strengthening unity, love, and togetherness in upholding professional ethics in media practice.
*Mr. Kiiru Ramathan, Elected Chairperson of Rubirizi Journalists and Bloggers Association*, highlighted the key impact of the meeting. He said discussions focused on tackling major challenges journalists face in the field, including low pay, intimidation, limited equipment, and political misuse. He noted that some politicians use the media during elections and abandon journalists afterward.
“This meeting will help journalists improve their ability to serve the community while also planning to earn a better living for their families,” Kiiru said. He called for collaboration with leaders to fight poverty and corruption in the community.
Kiiru also emphasized the impact of media in the community: public education, amplifying voices, and promoting peace. He stressed that accurate reporting reduces conflict and misunderstandings in villages.
*Aine Shira, a journalist with LIT TV based in Rubirizi*, noted that the meeting aimed at fostering unity among media practitioners, building one strong voice, and setting strategies to improve the quality of journalism in the district. “Journalists must advise one another, work together, and become the true voice of the community,” she said.
Aine Shira further called on Rubirizi district leaders and technical staff to work closely with journalists and bloggers in spreading information about government programs. She said this partnership would help educate residents on improving livelihoods and escaping poverty and hunger.
*Kyomuhendo Aisha, radio presenter at Rubirizi FM*, appreciated the initiative for uniting journalists and bloggers. She urged them to guide each other and work as a team to become “the voice of the voiceless”. She also urged fellow journalists to be professional, research stories thoroughly before reporting, and stop misleading the public. “The community should never receive false information from the media. We must always report truthful, constructive news that builds the community,” she said.
*Hon. Tugume Muzafaru, Councillor for Ndekye Town in Rubirizi Town Council and reporter with Bunyaruguru FM*, urged journalists to embrace a saving culture and start other income-generating projects to boost household income and educate their children.
He noted the meeting would help them improve skills since they learned the importance of research and fact-checking to avoid misleading the community. Members agreed to work and support each other as one association, share stories and equipment, form a savings group, and start side projects to supplement income.
“Journalist integrity is key and our wealth,” he said. He appealed to journalists to avoid corruption, drugs, sex abuse, and immorality. He reminded Rubirizi journalists and bloggers to be role models in society, be disciplined, hardworking, respectful, and full of love for the community.
End.
