Past Projects
2023: In-house Training For Newsrooms In Best Practice Models
In May 2023, RMDF launched in-house trainings and mentoring sessions for select newsrooms in good journalism and best practice models.
Targeting rural radio stations and print publications, the trainings served to improve abilities among journalists to report accurately and professionally on public policy matters; strengthen radio stations editorial policies, professional and ethical conduct; enhance capacities of reporters, editors, program managers and producers to generate meaningful content relevant to their audiences.
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As part of the project, RMDF donated digital sound recorders, cameras and press jackets for select newsrooms and individual journalists to help them do their jobs.
2022: Enhancing Capacities of Community Journalists in Peace Journalism and Conflict-Sensitive Reporting
Under the ‘‘Promoting Peace Journalism in Rwenzori Region’’ project, RMDF trained one hundred Journalists in peace journalism and conflict-sensitive reporting.
The two double training equipped journalists and social media influencers with conflict-sensitive reporting skills to enable them to report in a manner that promotes and builds peace in the region and the country at large. The first training was conducted from Fort-Portal Tourism City between 23rd and 24th and another in Kasese between 26th and 27th May 2022.
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The training was organized in close partnership with the Peace and Human Rights Media Network and the Center for Investigative Reporting of Uganda. It benefitted a total of 80 community journalists and 20 social media influencers drawn from Kasese, Fort Portal, Kyenjojo, Kyegegwa, Bundibugyo, Bunyangabu, Kamwenge and Ntoroko districts in Rwenzori Region in Uganda.
This intervention was supported by UNESCO International Programme for the Development of Communication, the only multilateral forum in the UN system designed to mobilize the international community to not only discuss and promote media development but also seek an accord to secure a healthy environment for the growth of free and pluralistic media in developing countries
2020: Regional Editors and Reporters workshops on Election coverage and reporting
RMDF helps journalists across the region strengthen their knowledge of the electoral process to promote effective and accurate reporting of elections.
From October, 2020 – 4th January 2021, RMDF conducted a series of workshops for community media journalists on the importance of reporting on elections accurately and impartially throughout the election cycle.
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Sixty-eight journalists from over 20 community media outlets including print, television, and radio, attended the trainings, which focused on presenting experiences and best practices on topics such as fundamental rights and freedoms, ethics of journalism, reporting through the electoral cycle, and how best to be prepared to cover election campaigns and electoral processes.
The trainings held in Fort Portal, Kasese, Kyenjojo, and Ibanda districts included sessions on gender-sensitive reporting that looked at barriers to women’s participation and explored the media’s role in countering gender stereotypes and promoting women as political decision-makers.
2019: Establishment of the Center for Investigative Journalism.
RMDF has set-up a center for Investigative Reporting in the city of Fort Portal. The center was commissioned in January this year and is dedicated to promoting and protecting the practice of investigative reporting. It specifically aims to provide a physical place to bring together journalists and foster a greater appreciation for, and capacity to write critical investigative reports. It also provides a place to connect journalists from different parts of the country to learn from one another, share knowledge, and build this very important journalistic practice together for today – and the future.
2018: Governance and Accountability Reporting fellowships for community media journalists (Rwenzori Region).
The objectives of this project were to empower journalists with skills and knowledge on governance and accountability reporting; to raise awareness on the impact of media in achieving governance that is accountable of its actions; to inspire journalists to play their role in greater participation by citizens in democratic processes and to establish a network of journalists who report on governance and accountability issues.
2017: Promoting Human Rights, legal and Justice Awareness in Rwenzori region.
Specifically, the organization ran a legal awareness campaign called "Know Your Rights Campaign". This Campaign included the publication of very light and basic brochures and handouts on topical civil liberties areas for the general public, publication of comic books, distribution of legal literature translated in local dialects, filming of short video clips/documentary-style series,podcasts and audio drama skits on rights violations and access to justice.
2016: Enhancing capacities of rural journalists in investigative reporting in Rwenzori region.
20 journalists (reporters and editors) selected from 10 community radio stations across the region were trained on critical thinking and ethical, objective approaches to investigative reporting to enhance their understanding of ways in which the media can address and report on issues concerning common forms of corruption. A training module on investigative journalism was developed and distributed to all media institutions for future reference.