Gallery
A collection of photos from RMDF trainings and other support and capacity building interventions
Journalists pose for a group photo with Tooro Kingdom officials at a training on environment and climate change reporting in Fort Portal Tourism City. The training organized by RMDF in partnership with Makerere University Department of Journalism and Communication was part of a wider project aimed at empowering community media to fight the climate crisis in the Rwenzori region in Uganda. With funding support from UNESCO's IPDC, the project benefited 30 journalists including reporters, editors, show hosts and program managers from 15 community radios across the Rwenzori region.
Journalists pose for a group photo with Dr. William Tayeebwa, senior lecturer of journalism and communication from Makerere University during a six-day Environmental Journalism training organized by Rwenzori Media Development Foundation in partnership with Makerere University Department of Journalism and Communication. The training aimed to build the knowledge base on environmental issues and reporting practices.
Right - Left: RMDF's Martin Kibaba, Makerere's Dr. William Tayeebwa, Rwenzori Journalists Forum's Patrick Bamanyisa, Tooro Kingdom Deputy PM Harriet Nyakake, PM Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire, Prince Kato Rwakatale
RMDF Director Martin Kibaba gives his opening remarks at the Environment and Climate Change seminar in Fort Portal
RMDF grants and projects advisor, Professor Michael O'Donnell addresses participants in a pre-recorded video message. 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.
​"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."
Tooro Kingdom Prime Minister Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire gives closing Remarks. On his left is Deputy Prime Minister Harriet Nyakake and his right is Prince Kato Benard Rwakatale
Group Work, Group 1
Participants in session
Group work, Group 3
Group work, Group 2
Participants in session
Journalists pose for a group photo at the 2022 Rwenzori Peace Journalism Awards. Organized by RMDF in partnership with the Peace and Human Rights Media Network, and the Center for Investigative Reporting of Uganda, the event was part of a wider project on promoting Peace and Conflict Sensitive reporting funded by UNESCO's IPDC. The project benefitted a total of 100 journalists and social media influencers from across the Rwenzori region.
Winners of the Peace Journalism reporting contest pose for a photo with invited guests and judges. Left to right: Mr. Bwambale Lucas of the Shalom Mediation Institute, chief guest; Mr. Alex Baluku, winner-Rwenzori Daily; Mr. Muhindo John Carson of Creations Forum Africa (Guest); Ms. Jolly Mbambu, Winner-Radio Messiah; Mr. Thembo Misairi Kahungu (Judge) Editor Vision group Uganda; Mr. Alex Ashaba, winner-Daily Monitor Uganda; Dr. William Tayeebwa (Judge) - Head of Department Journalism and Communication Makerere University; Mr. Martin Kibaba Executive Director RMDF-Uganda.
Show hosts and reporters record a radio program in a practical learning session at Bamba FM. Launched in March 2023, the in-house trainings and mentorings on good journalism and best practice models target rural community radios and print publications across the Rwenzori region. The trainings conducted by media specialists from RMDF-Uganda specifically serve 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.
In May 2022, RMDF-Uganda in partnership with the Peace and Human Rights Media Network, and the Center for Investigative Reporting of Uganda trained 100 community journalists and social media influencers on peace journalism and conflict-sensitive reporting and on responsible use of social media platforms.
The two double training equipped journalists and social media influencers with conflict-sensitive reporting skills to enable them report in a manner that promotes and builds peace in the region and the country at large.
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This intervention was supported by UNESCO's 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
When a prominent businessman, Begumisa George, threatened to evict more than one hundred residents from their lands, residents ran to RMDF for assistance. Because RMDF has intervened in many of such peace-threatening actions by rich and prominent persons, these residents from Kagusu in the Northern Division of Fort Portal Tourism City had a lot of confidence in RMDF. Our peace-building team mobilized some community journalists, local leaders, and human rights advocates to intervene in the matter. We convened land rights awareness sessions and recorded live radio programs where the affected people voiced out their concerns. The news stories and radio programs gained the attention of the government and a directive was issued to stop the eviction. Because of our intervention, there is now sanity in the Northern Division area. Residents can now sleep, cultivate, and even build permanent structures on their lands unlike before.
Under the “promoting Human Rights, Legal and Justice Awareness in Rwenzori region” project, RMDF ran a legal awareness campaign called “Know your rights”. The campaign created awareness on land rights and access to justice in rural communities. As part of this campaign, RMDF conducted public education campaigns in rural areas and on radio aimed at supporting individuals and communities affected by or vulnerable to rights abuse including women and children rights, land and inheritance rights, and access to justice.
The conflict-sensitive reporting training focused on guidelines for reporting conflict and peace, the importance of gender sensitivity in reporting conflicts, safety for journalists working in conflict areas and ethical guidelines for journalists covering conflicts and peace building, among other topics.
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The training workshops were facilitated by Dr. Tayeebwa William from the Makerere University Department of Journalism and Communication; Mr. Mathias Mayombwe Mulumba from Uganda Radio Network; Mr. Patrick Bamanyisa from the Rwenzori Journalists Forum; Mr. Businge Gerald from Makerere University: Mr. Edward Tumwine from Ultimate Multimedia Consults; and Mrs. Enid Ninsiima from Nation Media Group.
The trainees also benefited from local community leaders in their respective places i.e. Fort Portal, Kamwenge, Kyenjojo, Kyegegwa, Bundibugyo, Bunyangabu, Ntoroko and Kasese districts.
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At the end of the two double trainings, the journalists said it had helped improve their understanding of how the media can be used to promote peace and reconciliation in the Rwenzori region.
A study RMDF conducted in 2018 found that 70% of workers at our radio stations have no formal training in journalism. Most of them have completed Senior 4 or Senior 6 levels in school, yet they occupy professional offices as news reporters, editors, producers, directors of programs, managers, presenters, and show hosts. Some of these people said they could not afford tuition at university while others did not have the required grades or had dropped out of school. Our study found that the only “qualification” these media practitioners possess is passion and talent. Because of this, in 2021 the RMDF established a school, named RMDF School of Journalism. The school offers such media practitioners training in basic broadcasting skills and basic principles of journalism to help them become better at their jobs. The eight-month residential course is more practical than theoretical. It targets not only mid-career journalists but also other young people who intend to join the media. The course exposes journalists to eight months of intense training in news reporting and writing, editing, news anchoring, radio and TV presentation, production, and basic ICT skills.
Support for investigative journalism initiatives has always been a cornerstone of RMDF’s work. By improving the professional skills of journalists within the field of investigative journalism, we enable the media to act as a watchdog and fulfill its role as the fourth estate, promoting good governance, accountability, and transparency.
As part of RMDF’s commitment to improve journalism in rural Uganda, the foundation established the RMDF School of Journalism to support its mission.
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The school’s Multimedia Journalism course offers an exciting opportunity to immerse students in the world of journalism. It’s an intensive, industry-focused course that aims to give students hands-on experience in journalism and a solid starting point for a diverse and exciting career.
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Our core units give students a solid foundation in the principles and practice of good journalism, as they learn how to cover stories for print, online, TV and radio, and how to adapt a story from one medium to another.
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