On June 5th, 2024, the Health Journalists Network in Uganda (HEJNU) Roundtable Discussion for all members in Kampala at the HEJNU offices in Kamwokya.
The roundtable discussions to address the current challenges faced by journalists in the media industry, particularly focusing on the disappearance of jobs and the lack of fallback positions for many professionals.
The training focused on equipping participants with entrepreneurial skills, encouraging them to think beyond the newsroom, and empowering them to become their own bosses.
Topic: Current challenges faced by journalists in the media industry, particularly focusing on the disappearance of jobs and the lack of fallback positions for many professionals.
Details:
- Time: 10 am to 1 pm, followed by lunch
- Facilitator: HEJNU President Esther Nakkazi
- Participants: 22 journalists from various media organizations including broadcasting, news, print publications, digital media, and freelancers.
Speakers:
- Halima Athumani – Voice of America
- Hillary Bainemugisha – Forna Health Foods
- Robert Ssempala – HRNJ-Uganda
- Solomon Serwanja – AIIJ
Attendance List:
- Kalungi Betty – Radio 7/4
- Byamukama Alozious – Maama FM
- Regina Nassanga – Maama FM
- Nakisanze Segawa – GPJ
- Peace Basemerera – UBC West Radio
- Ritah Ainembabazi – Sanyu FM
- Namiganda Jael – Metro FM
- Bulyaba Hamida – PEARL FM
- Nalusiba Hamida – BILAL FM
- Ddungu Davis – CBS
- Ruth Nazziwa – Bukedde Print
- Fred Kayongo – URN
- Rahim Nwali – AIIJ
- Kajumba Annah – UBC
- Ben Musanje – Radio Sapientia
- Ronnie Mayanja – Prime Radio
- Nakitende Harriet – Radio4
- Namale Shajista – CBS
- Joyce Namagembe – Mnews Uganda
- Nsubuga Benon – Bukedde FM
- Shamim Nateebwa – HEJNU
- Edwin Muhumuza – Capital Radio
Objectives of the Training:
- Transition from the newsroom to freelancing: Insights and strategies.
- Starting own organization or NGO: What it takes to get started.
- Essential skills for launching own enterprise: Practical advice and tips.
- Balancing newsroom duties with a side hustle: Effective time management.
Speaker Highlights:
Halima Athumani: shared her experiences and expertise on “Transitioning from the newsroom to freelancing” and “Balancing newsroom duties with a side hustle.”
- Freelance journalist with Voice of America.
- Experienced correspondent in media production, including online and broadcasting.
- Emphasized the importance of growing oneself through acquiring new skills and education.
- Highlighted the need for journalists to effectively use social media for branding.
- Stressed the importance of budgeting, being open about one’s capabilities, and investing in oneself.
Hillary Bainemugisha: Director at Forna Health Foods shared his experience in producing and distributing Aunt Porridge a nutritious food
- Director of Forna Health Foods (Auntie Porridge).
- Known as Dr. Love, former senior producer at New Vision.
- Shared the story of starting Auntie Porridge from his garage, which now supplies 453 supermarkets nationwide.
- Encouraged journalists to use their profession to build connections and seize opportunities.
Robert Ssempala: Executive Director of Human Rights Network for Journalists (HRNJ) shared share your experiences and expertise on starting your own organization or NGO:
- Executive Director at Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda.
- Advocate for press freedom and social justice.
- Shared his journey from journalism to rights activism.
- Emphasized the importance of journalists understanding their rights and advocating for press freedom.
Solomon Serwanja: investigative journalist and team leader as Executive Director of the African Institute for Investigative Journalism (AIIJ)
- Investigative journalist and Executive Director of the African Institute for Investigative Journalism.
- Stressed the value of specialization and branding in journalism.
- Encouraged journalists to use the internet for additional income through podcasts and other digital platforms.
- Highlighted the importance of upgrading skills for career advancement.
Facilitator: Esther Nakkazi:
- Advised journalists to engage in various ventures to supplement their income.
- Emphasized the benefits of freelancing and encouraged diversification beyond the newsroom.
- Committed to organizing more such meetings for the development of HEJNU members.
Lessons from the Presentation:
- Be excellent at your work to maintain influence.
- Start early and small, and continuously improve.
- Do what you love and solve real problems.
- Use your network effectively and set high standards.
- Aim for prestigious positions in your journalism career.
Overall, the roundtable discussion was a valuable opportunity for journalists to gain insights and strategies for entrepreneurial growth and resilience in the media industry.
