Rwenzori Media Development Foundation launches campaign to raise awareness about climate change and pressing environmental issues in Uganda

By Caroline Magara

In a groundbreaking initiative to tackle the pressing environmental challenges in Uganda’s Rwenzori region, Rwenzori Media Development Foundation (RMDF) and Makerere University’s Department of Journalism and Communication have launched a project aimed at empowering community media to lead climate change awareness and action.

The project, funded by UNESCO's International Programme for the Development of Communication (IPDC), addresses the critical need for climate change awareness and action in the region.

“The Rwenzori region faces severe environmental challenges, ranging from deforestation to pollution. This project aims to harness the power of community media to address these issues,” said Martin Kibaba, RMDF Executive Director. 

Martin Kibaba, RMDF Director (Left) with Makerere University's Dr. William Tayeebwa (Right)

“We have gathered 30 dedicated journalists from 15 community radio stations to equip them with the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively report on environmental issues and engage their audiences in meaningful discussions to drive positive change."

Over the next six months, 30 community radio journalists will receive comprehensive training in environmental reporting and programming. The project aims to: enhance public awareness and understanding of climate change issues and impacts; foster community-led initiatives and policy dialogue on environmental conservation; and strengthen community media's role in promoting climate action, adaptation, and sustainable practices.

“This project builds on UNESCO IPDC’s strength to promote quality journalism education and to build the capacity of journalists as the newsrooms are increasingly shifting their attention to climate-change related reporting, and the need for debunking climate-change related disinformation” emphasized Misako Ito, Regional Adviser in Communication and Information for Africa at UNESCO Nairobi.

Ito Misako (UNESCO)

About RMDF:

Founded by journalists in 2009, Rwenzori Media Development Foundation (RMDF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to strengthening community media in rural Uganda. We focus on media development, improving access to information, and fostering transparency, accountability, and peacebuilding. Our goal is to promote and improve journalism in western Uganda.

About UNESCO's IPDC:

UNESCO’s International Programme for the Development of Communication (IPDC) is the only multilateral forum within the UN system dedicated to mobilizing the international community to foster the development of free and pluralistic media in developing countries. Through the IPDC, UNESCO works to create a supportive environment for media development, critical dialogue, and media independence.

For more information and updates, contact 0393 247-453, Whatsapp 0770893028 or email: rmdfuganda@gmail.com web: https://rwenzorimediadev.wixsite.com/rmdforg or Facebook: Rwenzori Media Development Foundation - RMDF-Uganda