Rwenzori Journalists Equipped to Lead Climate Action

Journalists pose for a group photo with Tooro Kingdom Prime Minister

By Caroline Grace Magara

The three-day Environmental Journalism Workshop, organized by the Rwenzori Media Development Foundation (RMDF) in partnership with Makerere University Department of Journalism and Communication, has successfully concluded. Held at Whispering Palm Gardens in Fort Portal City, this workshop is part of a broader initiative to strengthen media coverage on climate change and environmental conservation. It follows an earlier three-day seminar in December 2024, which introduced journalists to fundamental environmental reporting skills.

The training benefited 30 community radio journalists, including news reporters, editors, show hosts, and program managers from 15 community radio stations across the Rwenzori region. The workshop aimed to equip them with advanced skills in data and science journalism to enhance their ability to report on climate-related issues with depth and accuracy. The training is part of RMDF’s ongoing project to empower community media in the fight against climate change, supported by UNESCO’s International Programme for the Development of Communication (IPDC).

Speaking at the workshop's closure, the Prime Minister of Tooro Kingdom, Rt. Hon. Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire, emphasized that environmental conservation must begin at the family level. He urged individuals to plant trees for beauty, shade, and clean air, stressing that everyone - leaders, journalists, and the public - must take responsibility for protecting the environment. The Deputy Prime Minister of Tooro Kingdom, Hon. Nyakake Harriet, commended RMDF for training community radio journalists on environmental issues, stating that their reporting can significantly impact environmental conservation efforts.

Tooro Kingdom Prime Minister gives closing remarks. On his right is Prince Kato Benard Rwakatale, and his left is Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Nyakake Harriet

Throughout the workshop, experts from Makerere University and international media organizations equipped journalists with vital knowledge and skills. Dr. William Tayebwa, a senior lecturer of Journalism and Communication at Makerere University, emphasized the role of journalists in holding leaders accountable and ensuring environmental policies are properly implemented. He urged participants to focus on investigative journalism, using data and science to back their stories.

Dr. William Tayebwa takes participants through principles of investigative reporting

"Journalists are the voice of the voiceless," Dr. Tayebwa noted. "Your stories should not just highlight problems but also demand action. We need reporting that pushes for accountability and inspires change." He further called on journalists to expose illegal environmental activities such as deforestation, wetland encroachment, and pollution.

Dr. Charles Wendo, a science journalist and media trainer, urged reporters to focus on newsworthy and research-based environmental stories that are relevant to the public and policymakers. He warned against using overly technical language in environmental reporting, advising journalists to simplify scientific concepts for their audiences.

Participants pay attention as Dr. Wendo takes them through the concept and practice of data and science journalism in environmental reporting. Looking on is RMDF Director Martin Kibaba (in blue suit)

"Not all scientific research is newsworthy," Dr. Wendo explained. "You need to ask yourself: Is this research relevant to the everyday life of my audience? Will it influence decisions or policies? If the answer is no, then you need to dig deeper for a better angle." He also advised journalists to be cautious when using press releases, encouraging them to verify information through interviews with scientists to avoid misinformation.

Professor Michael O’Donnell, an associate professor emeritus from the University of St. Thomas, USA, challenged journalists to go beyond reporting environmental degradation and instead propose sustainable solutions.

Prof. O'Donnell addresses participants through a pre-recorded video message

"Environmental reporting should not just be about problems," he said. "It should highlight potential solutions that communities, governments, and organizations can adopt to address climate challenges. Journalists must frame their stories in ways that encourage action, not just despair."

He further stressed the importance of preserving natural resources, including energy, fuel, and water, and how radio programs can influence people’s behavior toward conservation.

Dr. Frederick Mugira, a researcher and founder of InfoNile, introduced participants to data journalism, guiding them on how to compile, clean, contextualize, and communicate environmental data effectively. He explained the five key steps in data journalism: compilation, cleaning, contextualization, combination, and communication, urging journalists to use facts and statistics to strengthen their environmental stories.

"Data gives your story credibility," he emphasized. "If you report that a wetland is being destroyed, give figures: How many hectares? Over what period? What is the impact on local communities? These numbers will make your story more compelling."

The Ministry of Water and Environment, represented by Suzan Chekwurui, recognized the critical role of community radio journalists in shaping narratives on environmental protection. She highlighted ongoing government initiatives such as water catchment projects and the demarcation of water bodies to curb environmental degradation. She urged journalists to adopt innovative storytelling techniques to engage the public in climate action.

Ministry of water and environment's Susan Chekwurui in red jacket shortly after her address

As the workshop concluded, RMDF Executive Director Martin Kibaba reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to strengthening environmental journalism in the Rwenzori region.

Right to Left: RMDF's Martin Kibaba, Makerere's Dr. William Tayebwa, Rwenzori Journalists Forum President Mr. Bamanyisa Patrick, Tooro Kingdom deputy Prime Minister Nyakake Harriet, Prime Minister Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire, and Prince Kato Benard Rwakatale pose for a photo at the end of the three-day training

"We are committed to continuing our collaboration with Tooro Kingdom, Makerere University, and other stakeholders to ensure that environmental issues remain at the forefront of media coverage," he said. "Journalists have a unique role in shaping public perception and influencing policies through their work. This training has equipped them with expert knowledge on environmental reporting, enabling them to push for environmental protection through storytelling, documentaries, radio shows, and drama skits."

He expressed deep gratitude to UNESCO through the International Programme for the Development of Communication (IPDC) for their generous support, noting that their funding has been instrumental in strengthening community media development in the Rwenzori region, nationally, and globally.

"For many years, IPDC has been a champion of media pluralism and media development worldwide," Kibaba added. "This support has enabled journalists in the Rwenzori region to sharpen their skills, ensuring that they are better equipped to tackle climate change and advocate for sustainable development."

Looking ahead, Mr. Kibaba emphasized the crucial role of community radio in mobilizing communities for a sustainable future.

"With this training, we expect to see impactful environmental stories and programs that will inspire action across communities. Our community radio journalists must now take the lead in championing environmental justice, using their platforms to mobilize the public, influence policymakers, and drive meaningful change."