Who We Are
Our Story:
Rwenzori Media Development Foundation (RMDF) started as an idea. From an idea - to an association of journalists then called Western Uganda Journalists Association (WUJA) - to now the region's biggest and most influential media development and communication support organization.
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We give credit to our founding fathers Mark Kagaba (RIP), Joseph Muthabali, Kekirunga Beatrice, Nkabaruhira Johnson Kabishanga (RIP), Rosebell Kyosiimire Katuutu and Stephen Madiba Mugisa. These are the brains behind this amazing initiative. Unfortunately, to-date none of the above persons are still active journalists, while two passed away.
Incorporated on February 17, 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.
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Why We Support Community media
At RMDF, we recognize community media as a powerful and transformative tool for development, one that has the capacity to educate, engage, and mobilize diverse audiences, particularly within grassroots communities. Over the years, we have been dedicated to strengthening these media outlets by facilitating networks that amplify their voices and by supporting capacity building initiatives aimed at fostering institutional sustainability. Our efforts extend to providing training for journalists and media practitioners, promoting collaboration between community media and other key media stakeholders, and mobilizing essential resources for the continued growth and impact of community media. Through these interventions, we aim to empower local communities and ensure their voices are heard at all levels of discourse.
Vision
To become Uganda's leading community media and communication support organization.
Mission
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To inspire and empower journalists to pursue and attain the highest standards of professional excellence.
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To strengthen community media as reliable, credible sources of information, effective watchdogs, and dynamic platforms for public discourse.
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To advocate for, promote, and defend press freedom and the fundamental right to free expression.
Our Core Values
In pursuance of our major objectives, RMDF is guided by the following values and operating principles:
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Respect: RMDF serves all stakeholders in a courteous manner while maintaining responsive interactions and respect for human dignity and opinions of all.
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Dedication: RMDF is dedicated to remaining Uganda's leading community media development organization by providing timely and functional knowledge and skills to journalists and building capacities of community media.
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Quality: RMDF operations are guided by the culture of results-oriented performance-sensitive of professionalism, deadlines, and high compliance levels.
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Integrity: RMDF treats all stakeholders with trust, honesty, fairness and transparency.