Rwenzori Journalists Embrace Training on Environmental Journalism and Climate Reporting
- rwenzorimediadev
- Dec 3, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Dec 12, 2024
By Jacqueline Mbabazi, RMDF
Journalists in Uganda’s Rwenzori region are stepping up their efforts to tackle the climate crisis, despite grappling with significant challenges that hinder their ability to report effectively.
These challenges include inadequate training in environmental reporting, lack of financial support for in-depth investigations, and threats from individuals involved in environmental degradation.
This was highlighted on December 2, 2024, during the opening of a three-day seminar on environmental journalism organized by the Rwenzori Media Development Foundation (RMDF) in partnership with Makerere University’s Department of Journalism and Communication.
The seminar is part of a six-month project funded by UNESCO’s International Programme for the Development of Communication (IPDC), to empower journalists in the Rwenzori region with essential tools and knowledge for covering environmental issues.
Young journalists expressed keen interest in climate reporting but admitted to lacking the skills and techniques required to make scientific concepts accessible to the public.
“This training is crucial for us as young journalists,” said Ram Kikama, reporter and editor at Ngeya FM in Kasese. “Understanding the link between the environment and human life is essential for breaking down complex topics for the common person.”
Although climate reporting globally has shifted from reactive coverage to in-depth analysis, the language, tone and level of reporting in the Rwenzori region remain inadequate.
“It’s common to find articles filled with scientific jargon that’s not broken down for public understanding,” said Patrick Bamanyisa, President of the Rwenzori Journalists Forum. “Radio hosts are particularly guilty of this, which diminishes the impact of their messaging.”
A lack of resources and funding for environmental journalism poses another significant challenge. While media houses express interest in climate coverage, many lack designated budgets for investigative reporting, hindering meaningful coverage.
“Our media houses need to prioritize environmental reporting,” said Joel Kaguta, editor at Radio Messiah in Kasese. “RMDF should engage newsroom managers to underscore the importance of supporting journalists in this area.”
Safety concerns also weigh heavily on journalists reporting on environmental issues, particularly when their stories involve powerful political figures.
“On July 30, assailants broke into my home and attacked me over a story I did involving a prominent politician in Kyenjojo district,” revealed Daniel Baingana, a television and radio journalist. “I hope this seminar equips us with safety mechanisms for our work.”
Additionally, limited access to information from government sources exacerbates the difficulties.
“Government officials often withhold critical environmental information from journalists,” Baingana added.
Despite these challenges, RMDF Director Martin Kibaba urged journalists to embrace their vital role in addressing the climate crisis.
“This is more than a workshop; it’s the start of a movement,” he said. “As journalists, we are not just witnesses to the climate crisis—we are participants with a duty to inform, educate, and inspire action.”
Kibaba emphasized that local journalists are uniquely positioned to cover climate change from a grassroots perspective, given their deep understanding of community issues.
“The fight against climate change is one we cannot afford to lose. Our forests, rivers, wildlife, and communities are counting on us. Together, we can make a difference,” he concluded.
Prof. Michael O’Donnell, Projects Advisor at the Rwenzori Media Development Foundation (RMDF) and Associate Professor Emeritus at the University of St. Thomas in Minnesota, USA, called on journalists to prioritize reporting on the impact of climate change on communities.
He emphasized that such reporting can influence policy decisions, change public attitudes, and showcase innovative solutions to mitigate climate impacts, particularly on vulnerable populations.
“Your task as journalists is to help strengthen the social structures needed to solve environmental problems,” Prof. O’Donnell stated. “The key is focusing on solutions to social problems. Start by examining the responses to these problems - not just the problems themselves. Highlight how a response worked, and critically analyze why it didn’t.”
Prof. O’Donnell noted that solutions-focused journalism enhances the public’s capacity to address challenges by providing actionable information. “By concentrating on solutions, journalists can prepare communities with the knowledge they need to tackle environmental issues effectively,” he said.
He further explained that this approach not only equips communities with accurate and relevant information but also serves as a powerful strategy for societal improvement.
“Journalists can improve society in two ways,” he remarked. “First, by reporting on harmful things, and second, by reporting on helpful things. While both are important, I urge you to focus more on the second - the helpful things. Doing so will deepen your understanding of society, enable you to explain what works, and critique what doesn’t.”
Prof. O’Donnell’s insights underscore the transformative role journalists can play in fostering resilience and innovation in the face of climate challenges. By adopting a solutions-oriented perspective, he believes media professionals can drive positive change and empower communities to overcome environmental and social hurdles.
Dr. William Tayeebwa, a senior lecturer at Makerere University Department of Journalism and Communication, who was the lead facilitator, encouraged journalists to give climate-related stories more emphasis, noting that: "Stories are all around us, and it's our responsibility as journalists to uncover and report them."
The seminar ended with a powerful message from Mr. Fredrick Mugira, Executive Director of Water Journalists Africa, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in reporting environmental issues.
"When journalists work in teams and groups, environmental stories become easier to handle," he said, highlighting the advantages of shared expertise, pooled resources, and broader perspectives.
The seminar held at Whispering Gardens in Fort Portal Tourism City, provided an interactive platform for journalists to learn best practices, exchange ideas, and explore potential partnerships to strengthen their reporting on pressing environmental issues. It attracted 30 Journalists (reporters, editors, radio hosts, and program managers) from across the Rwenzori region.
It concluded with a strong commitment from participants to apply their newly acquired skills to produce impactful stories. They also pledged to advocate for environmental justice and to use their platforms to raise public awareness of climate and environmental issues.
The training, which will resume next year, serves as a vital step in equipping journalists to lead the fight against climate change. Participants left the seminar inspired to push for better policies, practices, and awareness in their communities.
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