Our Commitment to Improving Journalism in Uganda
As part of the Rwenzori Media Development Foundation’s commitment to improving journalism in rural Uganda, the foundation established the RMDF School of Journalism to support its mission.
The Rwenzori Media Development Foundation established its journalism school in 2021 out of the desire to address the problem of unprofessional media practitioners at most radio stations in the region. A study RMDF conducted in 2018 found that 70% of workers at our radio stations have no formal training in journalism. Most of them have completed Senior 4 or Senior 6 levels in school, yet they occupy professional offices as news reporters, editors, producers, directors of programs, managers, presenters, and show hosts. Some of these people said they could not afford tuition at university while others did not have the required grades or had dropped out of school. Our study found that the only “qualification” these media practitioners possess is passion and talent.
Because of this, in 2021 the foundation established the RMDF School of Journalism. The school offers such media practitioners training in basic broadcasting skills and basic principles of journalism to help them become better at their jobs. The eight-month residential course is more practical than theoretical. It targets not only mid-career journalists but also other young people who intend to join the media. The course exposes journalists to eight months of intense training in news reporting and writing, editing, news anchoring, radio and television presentation, production, and basic ICT skills.
Our Alumni Say
"One of the most rewarding aspects of my time at RMDF has been collaborating with fellow students from diverse backgrounds and interests. We have formed a supportive community fostering creativity, innovation, and growth. Our instructors have created a safe space for us to experiment, take risks, and learn from our mistakes.
As I continue my journey at RMDF School of Journalism, I'm excited to see what the future holds. This school has given me more than experience - it has given me a voice, a platform, and a community of like-minded individuals who share my passion for storytelling. With its strong industry connections, I know I will be well prepared to make a meaningful impact in the world of journalism"
Linda Denise, Student at RMDF School of Journalism
COURSE INFORMATION
Learning takes place in the vibrant and innovative environment of our city-side premises, which gives our multimedia journalism students a state-of-the-art home and a conducive environment to learn. You’ll benefit from a range of high-spec facilities and spaces, including in-house TV and radio studios. You will be taught by a team of dedicated, experienced professionals from backgrounds including TV and radio, local and national newspapers, and online news sites.
You will develop a solid foundation in the principles and practices of good journalism with our core units, learning how to cover stories across multiple platforms. You’ll be groomed in news writing and reporting, news editing, news reading and news presentation, podcasting, TV and radio presentation and production, on-air trafficking, directing programs, media management, and marketing, among other optional units in media and ICT.
FEATURES AND BENEFITS
-
Staff with industry experience - Learn from current and former reporters, editors and broadcasters who bring their experience into the classroom, along with extensive media experience and strong professional contacts.
-
Employability focused - This course will prepare you to take a leading role in a rapidly evolving global media industry.
-
Varied course content - Learn how to cover any story for print, web and broadcast and how to work effectively across mediums. You’ll also explore the global potential of multi-platform news publishing.
-
A flexible certificate - Develop the knowledge and practical skills needed to build a career in the industry with our practice-based course, even if you have no prior experience in journalism.
-
High-spec facilities - Learn in a vibrant and innovative environment and benefit from a range of facilities, including our in-house TV and radio studios and dedicated edit suites in a quiet learning environment.
-
Future proofing - A strong emphasis on digital media with online course materials and research information, encouraging you to use multimedia skills while learning.
-
Real world experience - Opportunities for work placements will introduce you to the real working environment and enable you to establish valuable contacts for your future career.
-
Develop a portfolio - This course has a focus on work output. You will amass a full and varied portfolio, including publishing for the school’s web platforms and social media sites, the school’s weekly podcast 3-600, and broadcasting on a host of radio and television stations across the region and beyond.
-
Study in Fort Portal often referred to as the garden city - Fort Portal Tourism City is one of Uganda's most beautiful cities. With its rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and a myriad of attractions, Fort Portal offers a unique and unforgettable experience positioning itself as the ideal place to live while studying to establish yourself as a successful journalist.
CAREER PROSPECTS
On successful completion of the course, you will be ideally placed to pursue a career at a media institution of your choice. Our past students are now working across the country as:
Reporters, News Editors, Presenters, Producers, Program Directors, Managers, Podcasters, Public relations officers, Researchers, Feature writers, Online writers and editors, Social media managers
Exploring the World of Journalism: Our Study Tours
At RMDF School of Journalism, we believe in hands-on learning and giving our students the opportunity to experience the world of journalism firsthand. Our study tours and visits take our students behind the scenes of news organizations, studios, and other media outlets, where they can see journalism in action and learn from industry professionals.
Here are some highlights from our recent study tours, where our students toured the National Water and Sewerage Corporation, participated in community dialogues, and toured major newsrooms and media houses where they met and interacted with reporters, editors, presenters, producers, and managers.
Media Expedition, 22nd June - A Day to Remember
My experience as a student journalist at the RMDF School of Journalism is none but – a very interesting, exciting, and memorable experience. One day in early June, our principal promised he’d take us on a tour of media houses and newsrooms in Fort Portal. The deal was to tour their studios and studio transmission links, newsrooms, learn about their cultures, policies, and approach to journalism, and importantly interact with their journalists and other media practitioners at the radio stations.
I got super excited about this and was quick to list those I thought were the best radio stations in the city. My classmates were equally excited. Folks in my class are super curious, determined, and very cooperative. To all of us, these tours were a big deal. So, on a bright Wednesday morning in mid-June, we started planning for the tours. As I mentioned earlier, this is part of our school’s effort to provide practical learning experiences and exposure to the students. Fast forward, we listed the radio stations we wanted to visit. We listed about six but this was too much so we zeroed on two – hits FM and life FM. Why, because we thought these were the best stations. Fast forward, We identified the key professionals to meet with, we prepared questions and topics for discussion and coordinated with the media houses to confirm the schedule.
On the 22nd day of June, we set out to visit these media houses to gain insight into their ways of operation and to meet with their editors, presenters, and managers which provided a comprehensive understanding of the inner workings of these media organizations.
At Hits FM, we met the news editor Mpamizo Evarist, who took us through how he prepares a news bulletin - from selecting stories to scripting and editing. He highlighted the importance of collaboration and communication among team members to ensure a smooth and successful broadcast. He also shared how he works closely with reporters to develop stories. His guidance provided a comprehensive understanding of the news process and the importance of teamwork in the newsroom.
At Life FM, we had "a seat-down-talk" with the inspiring, intelligent, and industrious man, Sam Kalyebara, the station manager. He took us through what makes a good radio. He said it starts with structures and "organization" which he divided into departments such as the on-air/programs department, editorial/news department, sales and marketing department, and engineering department. He also said that these departments are to manage the radio team.
We also conversed with Musinguzi Reagan, a presenter and host of "The World in Action", a daily 3-hour news and international affairs program. He highlighted a couple of qualities every journalist needs to possess including the ability and willingness to learn, read widely, be informed and adapt to changing audience needs. He also highlighted the need for thorough research and preparation before going on air where he talked of planning what to say, scripting it, and rehearsing to give the audience the best.
Through these interactions, we gained a comprehensive understanding of the media industry including the importance of engaging presentation, clear editing, accurate reporting, and effective production. The lessons learned offered a behind-the-scenes look at the media industry, revealing the hard work, creativity, and collaboration that go into producing high-quality content. As aspiring journalists, these tours offered great insight, exposure, and a leap into the media industry and the exciting profession of journalism. We appreciate the opportunity to visit these media houses and thank the professionals who shared their time and expertise.
Linda Denise - Student journalist, RMDF School of Journalism
Expert Insights: Journalism Training Series
RMDF School of Journalism is dedicated to providing top-notch training to the next generation of journalists. Our expert sessions feature renowned professionals in the field, sharing their knowledge and experiences to help our students excel. Follow the link to watch and learn from the best in the industry!