By Flavia Ajok
Hoima Resident City Commissioner (RCC) Badru Mugabi has asked journalists in Hoima to explore alternative income streams, given the meager salaries they receive.
Mugabi said this during a belated World Press Freedom Day celebration for Hoima Media Association held at HB Hotel, which brought together journalists, media practitioners, and stakeholders to discuss the significance of a free and responsible press.
Mugabi acknowledged the challenges faced by journalists, including low salaries, and encouraged them to think creatively about generating additional income.
He says journalists have a critical role in shaping public opinion, and they must use this power responsibly, avoiding personal attacks and biases.
Deputy Mayor Hoima city Sylvia Nalumaga has called on the media to do more to mentor and inspire young people to join the journalism profession.
Nalumaga also emphasized the importance of nurturing new talent in the field advising journalists to consider having identification such as uniforms or badges, so that they can be easily recognized when reporting in the field.
Eng. Emmanuel Muyomba, representing the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), addressed the media on the belated World Press Day, emphasizing the crucial role of the media in national development.
Eng. Muyomba stressed that the media plays a vital role in shaping public opinion, holding leaders accountable, and promoting transparency and good governance.
He urged journalists to uphold ethical standards, accuracy, and fairness in their reporting, and to use their platforms to promote national unity and development.
Eng. Muyomba clarified the UCC’s role in ensuring compliance with existing regulations and emphasized the need for self-regulation and responsible reporting.
Amina Bukenya, Head of Corporate Affairs at CNOOC revealed that they are excited to have received the Liquefied Petroleum Gas -LPG certificate, which marks a significant milestone in the journey towards becoming a green and low-carbon energy supplier.
Bukenya adds that CNOOC is committed to gradually achieving a strategic transformation towards a green and low-carbon energy supplier, in line with Uganda’s commitment to preventing gas flaring and promoting clean energy initiatives in its oil production efforts.
