Given the watchdog role of the media to the society in which journalists come from and serve, its therefore, our duty (journalists) to advocate for an agenda that promotes sustainable development for the society, that as well supports aspirations of the United Nations (UN) in line with the global millennium goals (SDGs) , especially SDG 3- for good health and wellbeing, SDG 13- for climate action, SDG 16- democracy, justice and accountability by leaders, democratic governance, SDG 10-freedom of expression including press freedom, human rights and SDG 4 -quality education, that’s why it is aligned to our programs and strategic plan.
UJA Programs;
1. UJA Initiative on Environment
Under this, advocacy for environmental justice and echo systems is being carried out through engaging the public on dangers of environmental degradation and climate change through dissemination of sensitization content.
As one of measures against the prevailing global threat of climate change, UJA launched a mass tree planting campaign in August 2021 to plant one million trees in Ugandan cities with my Tree Initiative by the end of 2025, in addressing the threat. It is also one of the things that we passionately use as a tool in moving the public to appreciate tree planting. It is still going on. Here under are some of the links in relation to our launched campaign.
https://www.newvision.co.ug/articledetails/113087 )
https://trustednewsug.com/index.php/2022/04/28/wpfd-2022-uja-partners-with- my-tree-initiative-to-fight-environmental-degradation/
2. UJA Initiative on Health
Under this, advocacy for the basic public healthcare standards is being carried out by highlighting the gaps in the health sector for future improved services. Critical attention is also given to all intervening health related concerns as & when highlighted by the WHO, Ministry of Health and other development partners. It is addressed through press our discourses with responsible actors or authorities, workshops, symposiums/ trainings, media awards, etc under the UJA Private
Media Centre.
3. UJA Initiative on Safety of Journalists and Human Rights.
We defend and advocate for the rights of journalists to the press freedom by documenting- highlighting all forms of violations and attacks on journalists and challenge them using legal means in pursuit for justice.
We extend legal aid to the affected journalists by harassment, un precedented arrests, detentions, assault and sackings. We also hold capacity building trainings, workshops on safety of journalists and, extending mental- psycho support to the victims. For instance; UJA has 3 cases against the violation of press freedom and rights of individual journalists filed with the High Court of Uganda. There is one under which the UPDF, Attorney General and 9 army individual officers being challenged for harassing journalists, there is another one under which the UCC issued illegal directives to the media house owners seeking the sacking of the 39 journalists from 13 media houses and the one on assaulting journalist Mr. Peter Otai by a senior army officers while in line of the duty.
Safety of journalists is also being fostered through the annual World Press Freedom Day (WPFD) commemoration held on 3 rd May. UJA had adopted sport in May 2022 as an innovative tool for use in advancing press freedom in Uganda. Through the WPFD Media Football Gala as sport, we have been able to successfully engage with relevant actors in as far as ensuring the protection and enjoyment of press freedom is concerned, hence making some strides in addressing some gaps.
Under the same arrangement, outstanding advocates for press freedom receive awards, which fosters the safety of journalists. The Uganda Parliamentary Forum on Media (UPFM), was also renewed in March 2022 to foster the safety of journalists through formulation of legislative frameworks and policies.
4. Mentorship program to the Journalists; Journalism Students, Under this, learners from various higher academic institutions; universities and institutes are being mentored with hands on practical training and skilling through UJA Internship Centre, as a contribution to professional-human development to complement the transformation of the media sector.
Non-school based journalists also get retrained as refreshment of their competencies under this same program.
5. UJA Private Media Center.
This is a communication platform through which the state and non-state actors engage with the press on various matters of public importance. Journalists interact with them on different subject matters and relay the information to the relevant authorities.
6. SACCO.
Under this scheme, alternative sources of income to individual journalists is encouraged as one way of addressing the welfare challenge.