OPENING SPEECH BY MARTIN KIBABA, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, RWENZORI MEDIA DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION (RMDF)

Our esteemed facilitator, Dr. William Tayeebwa from Makerere University’s Department of Journalism and Communication—a distinguished ally of RMDF—Comrade Patrick Bamanyisa Black, President of the Rwenzori Journalists Forum, respected participants, ladies, and gentlemen,Good morning.

It is an honor and privilege to welcome you to this seminal event—the launch of the transformative project, “Empowering Journalists and the Media to Combat the Climate Crisis in the Rwenzori Region.”

When we trained 100 journalists in peacebuilding and conflict sensitive reporting in 2022/2023, we realized a need for another specialized training in Environmental Journalism.

Because Makerere University had introduced a similar program targeting professionals in EASTERN AFRICA, we thought it wise to partner and engage our journalists here in Rwenzori in the area of Environmental journalism. Thank you for accepting to work with us Dr. William.

Comrades, we are faced with a serious crisis, the climate crisis. And we have had our fair share as a region, and a country. When crises hit, journalists witness, and write or talk about them. We are not merely witnesses to the crises around us—we are participants with a duty to inform, educate, and inspire action. The Rwenzori Media Development Foundation stands committed to this cause—dedicated to strengthening community media, fostering transparency, accountability, and peacebuilding, and championing the cause of professional journalism in western Uganda.

The Environmental Crisis in the Rwenzori Region

Ladies and gentlemen, we are living witnesses to the degradation of our natural heritage. Uganda’s natural forests are disappearing at alarming rates. In the Rwenzori Sub-region alone, 23% of green cover is lost every month—a shocking statistic that demands our immediate attention.

This destruction is not just an assault on nature; it is a direct attack on our livelihoods, health, and future. Rivers like Mubuku, Rwimi, and Nyamwamba are polluted with heavy metals, endangering lives. Wetlands are encroached upon for construction, and forests—our planet’s lungs—are relentlessly razed down.

And yet, we, as media professionals, hold the power to inform and mobilize our communities. How often have we raised our voices about these pressing issues? How often have we held leaders accountable or educated the public on the consequences of environmental neglect?

Our Role as Journalists

As we launch this project, we acknowledge that the fight against climate change requires concerted efforts. Over the next three days, we will learn, reflect, and strategize on how to use our platforms to address:

1. Environmental degradation and its impact on human lives.

2. The role of media in promoting sustainability.

3. Innovative approaches to environmental journalism, including data and science reporting.

This is not just a workshop—it is the beginning of a movement. We are here to inspire change, not just among ourselves but also in the communities we serve.

Our Expectations

When you were selected for this training, it was not because of your availability or position but because of your potential to drive impact. We expect you to write impactful stories, host compelling programs, and hold meaningful conversations that resonate with the public. This is your moment to rise as stewards of change, champions of the environment, and defenders of our future.

In conclusion, let us remember that this battle against climate change is not one we can afford to lose. The stakes are too high. Our forests, rivers, wildlife, and communities are counting on us. And together, we can make a difference.

Thank you.