An indigenous media organisation enhancing freedom of expression through amplifying community voices
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Our approach is based on the principle of developing a learning community that supports an asset based using what we call the TPPS methodology:
• Teach skills through collaborative working
• Practice skills in the real world
• Peer review to develop skills and knowledge and provide reflective practice
• Share the skills and knowledge with others. OUR WORK:
We strengthen and empower the commun
ities in a multicultural region (Rwenzori) of diverse ethnicity with the necessary technological practical skills based on Information and Communication Technology to enable them fill the existing gap in regard to development. Umbrella for Journalists in Kasese (UJK) help to narrow the wide gap community is experiencing today in terms of communication, by stimulating practical Technological Entrepreneurship and Creativity for job opportunities, boast business and tourism through online marketing, create avenues for helping the different media houses to extend services to the people in the Rwenzori and beyond and Building multi-youth and stakeholders in constructive use of technology to enhance unity among diverse backgrounds and create avenues for dialogue and working together, strengthening their co-existence and appreciating their diversity.
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New HIV infections persist at higher rates among adolescent girls and young women, partly fueled by inequities hindering their access to HIV services.
In 2022, four in ten HIV infections occurred among adolescent girls, with 15,000 new HIV infections out of 20,000 among young people being adolescent girls, representing four in every five cases.
This HIV and AIDS outlook, coupled with a high adolescent pregnancy rate, is driven by intersecting forms of inequalities, including gender and socio-economic disparities, necessitating a multisectoral approach that places communities at the center and is driven by strategic partnerships.
Despite progress toward ending AIDS, the pace remains slow, with 99,000 children and adolescents aged 0-19 years globally dying in 2022 due to AIDS-related causes, accounting for 15% of all AIDS-related deaths.
This age group comprises just 7% of people living with HIV.Urgent and targeted efforts are essential to address these challenges and accelerate progress toward ending AIDS among children and adolescents globally.
Today, Uganda joins the rest of the world to commemorate World AIDS Day under the global theme; “Let communities lead“.
On 17th Nov this year, Umbrella for Journalists in Kasese (UJK-UG.ORG) made its *Anniversary* since establishment.
In a WhatsApp statement, Bikeke Saimon on behalf of UJK, thanked everyone who has walked this journey.
“We have together made great strides in the media industry. Buildings capacities of individuals, strengthening our networks, sharing opportunities, linking others for support and winning some projects grant”, Saimon stated.
Despite these achievements, the journey has been challenging. In what I call bad memories; we can’t forget the following comrades; one ☝️ of the founding member Kule Ronald a.k.a *Ronniediamonds*, Muhindo Charles Brinto, then Mumbere Denis. May their Souls Resp in Eternity.
Ofcourse other challenges include high demands from both direct and indirect beneficiaries.
Onbehalf of the organization and my own behalf, i continue appreciating everyones effort towards building an independent media in the region.
I call for unity, togetherness, uplifting professionalism and shifting to the innovation that build us socially & economically.
Bikeke Saimon
Coordinator/ED - UJK ( www.ujk-ug.org )
"This is Bikeke Saimon Victor, a potential diplomat of Uganda at Best Diplomats USA to be held in New York from 18th to 21st March, 2024. Join me and 200 other Young Leaders from diverse nations to help us craft Future Diplomats. "
With Accountability Lab Zimbabwe – I just got recognised as one of their top fans! 🎉
We need to conserve and protect the wetlands. , , etc. Loss and Damage Youth Coalition and
Civil society networking and relationship building include many different stakeholders, target beneficiaries, local communities, other CSOs, government, and nontraditional actors.
Forging connections: Coalition and community building in the promotion of human rights. During the USAID/Rights and Justice Activity learning review and closeout event.
A day never forgotten. Working tirelessly to strengthen partnerships at Global level. Thanks madam.
We’re pleased that this year, we are joining the rest of the world to mark the World Press Freedom Day 2023 under the sub-theme; “appreciating the value of media as key-players in protection and promotion of human rights”.
The international theme is; Shaping a Future of Rights: Freedom of Expression as a driver for all Other Human Rights.
Are you a media Practitioner getting Threats? Intimidation? lack medical attention becaue you have no money? can go to court because you You're are unable to hire or pay a lawyer? You are worried with who can stand with you? The is is here, Umbrella for Journalists in Kasese with Support from , rapid response fund under USAID/Rights and Justice Activity is implementing the Promote and Protect Press Freedom- project to enhance the safety of Journalists in the Rwenzori sub region.
You can get our free services responding to some of the issues raised above if you contact us via [email protected] and [email protected]
For more details, visit our website www.ujk-ug.org
JOB ADVERT
*New Internet Law Hinders Freedom of Speech.*
The amendment to the Computer Misuse Act, signed into law by Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni last month, has been criticised by Amnesty International, which has called for the "draconian" legislation to be scrapped.
Nine rights groups, a former leader of the opposition in parliament and three prominent lawyers lodged the petition at the Constitutional Court on Thursday —the second court challenge to the law.
Uganda has seen a series of crackdowns on those opposed to Museveni's rule, particularly around the 2021 election, with journalists being attacked, lawyers jailed, vote monitors prosecuted, the internet shut down and opposition leaders violently muzzled.
Legal experts have warned that the law will be used to target government critics who are already operating in a shrinking civic space.
Thirteen petitioners, including an online TV station, lodged the first court challenge against the law last month, but no date has been set yet for the hearing.
One of the petitioners, Norman Tumuhimbise, works for Digital TV, which in March this year was raided by security agents. Nine of its staff including Tumuhimbise were arrested and charged with computer misuse and spreading false information.
Today, USAID re-established its external advisory committee, the Advisory Committee on Voluntary Foreign Aid (ACVFA). The Committee’s new membership is comprised of internationally recognized leaders representing a broad range of sectors who will support the Agency’s mission and goals by advising on key development challenges and priorities. The Committee will be chaired by Nisha Biswal, Senior Vice President for International Strategy and Global Initiatives at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
ACVFA, which was first established in the aftermath of World War II, has existed longer than USAID itself and has played an important role in shaping the United States’ approach to international development. Over many decades, the committee has evolved to play a key role in fostering cooperation between the U.S. government and a range of nongovernmental organizations, and it has provided a platform for civil society to engage with USAID and help inform its approach to U.S. foreign assistance.
Learn more about ACVFA and see the full list of committee members here:
Today, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) re-established its external advisory committee, the Advisory Committee on Voluntary Foreign Aid (ACVFA). The Committee’s new membership is comprised of internationally recognized leaders representing a broad range of sectors who will sup...
Journalists demand apology from police for putting colleague at gunpoint
https://ugreports.com/journalists-demand-apology-from-police-for-putting-colleague-at-gunpoint/
By Our Reporter
PRESS RELEASE
Following the threatening violence that Alex Baluku, a journalist attached to Messiah FM in Kasese and Rwenzori Daily received when he was put at gun point at Katunguru Primary School polling station in Katwe Katabaro Town Council in Busongora South County Kasese district covering the by-election on 18/8/2022, as a media organisation, we would like to condemn this act.
These acts have reparations;
1. They scare many journalists from covering certain key events and activities where security is present.
2. It also affects our relationship with police.
We acknowledge that some of our officers are indeed good people who have worked with us closely for years but we would like the police leadership led by the RPC and DPC to ruin on individuals who mistreat journalists. And we therefore demand unreserved apology from the polocr authorities for this act.
We know journalists are rarely appreciated but we must acknowledge that they hv a key role in keeping the society informed and provide space to filter false news.
Its therefore disheartening that many journalists have to brave security and health risks while executing thier work.
Like else where where journalists have stopped covering security/police events, kasese journalists can alos consider similar action if this unfortunate harassment continues unabated.
Threatening violence is a crime because when taken seriously it has serious effects on the person threatened.
It causes stress, can force someone to even change their behaviour out of fear and in these ways negatively affects someone's life.
Making criminal threats comes with serious consequences, even if you didn't plan to carry out the threat.
In some states, this crime might be referred to as terroristic threats, threats of violence, malicious harassment, menacing, or another term.
BIKEKE SAIMON
Coordinator - Umbrella for Journalists in Kasese (UJK)
End
BREAKING NEWS: Busongora Byelections Turns Chaotic in the Hrad to Reach.
FDC candidate for the Busongora South 'by-election' Kihgema Alosious Baguma has been arrested in katunguru as he went to stop the alleged malpractice by state actors.
He was whisked away and later desitnation was at Kasese CPS according to the source (name withheld)
The journalist who was covering the story was put at gunpoint and forced to delete the footage and ordered to immediately leave or withdraw from the field.
more detail ahead
Off Kilembe Road-Central Divison
Kasese
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BREAKING NEWS: Busongora Byelections Turns Chaotic in the Hrad to Reach. FDC candidate for the Busongora South 'by-election' Kihgema Alosious Baguma has been arrested in katunguru as he went to stop the alleged malpractice by state actors. He was whisked away and later desitnation was at Kasese CPS according to the source (name withheld) The journalist who was covering the story was put at gunpoint and forced to delete the footage and ordered to immediately leave or withdraw from the field. more detail ahead
The impact of Covid-19 among women. Some have turned into thieves. When Community decides to instill good morals to wrong doers. This is how they do it. I therefore see the need for us to intensify Sensitization and creating Awareness on Mindset Change. Seyo Salambongo Dizzy D Padon Julius Kasyakulhu Kaguta Joel Omwanze Monday John Wakighoma Masereka Linnard
The coordinator Umbrella for Journalists in Kasese (UJK) Bikeke Saimon, advises the journalists in the district in particular and the Rwenzori sub-region in general, to exercise maximum caution while reporting. “As Uganda goes to the polls in a few months, I call upon all journalists to be disciplined and exercise professionalism” Mr. Bikeke said.
The Rwenzururu king His Majesty Charles Wesley Mumbere Iremagoma has distanced himself from a petition filled by some opposition MPs from Kasese to the international criminal court against president Museveni and his government in relation to the 26th November 2016 Rwenzururu palace deadly attacks. In message delivered by his wife who is also the Rwenzururu Queen her Royal Highness Agnes Ithungu to his subjects in Busongora north constituency, Mumbere said he has hopes in the ongoing negotiations with government over his kingdom issues adding that those who took the case to the ICC shouldn’t be mistaken to be representing him.
Security and economic line together; Kasese authorities reveal. The revelation was made today by heads of security while addressing Community Groups and SACCOs at Boma grounds Kasese town. The group members were on invitation of the Internal Security Organs a team of two men sent from the state house to monitor government’s money into SACCOs, through giving technical knowhow on corporative concept and management. Lt. Joe Walusimbi, the Resident District Commissioner for Kasese District who distanced himself from discrimination divulged that they are on mission of ensuring Security, well service delivery and implementation of NRM manifesto. In the same development, the District Internal Security Officer (DISO) Lt. Johnson Tashobya also used the same platform to reveal that security committee in Kasese is alert following threats of attack by the enemies. Lt. Johnson disclosed that Kasese being a neighbourhood of Democratic Republic of Congo where ADF stays, the public need to be vigilant urging those with busy venues to maintain inspection of new faces. Earlier on, the deputy Resident District Commissioner for Kasese Joshua Masereka advised the people of Kasese to identify what they want if they are to develop. Joshua challenged the community members to distance themselves from people with self interest saying they need to invest a lot in what benefits them. He added that the government program to get people out of poverty will take three years benefiting different groups. Henry Gashumba the officer from internal security organ (ISO) who monitors government’s money into circles said they have reports that SACCOs are collapsing at a high rate the reason they have to intensify teaching the group beneficiaries. He attributed the collapse to lack of knowhow by the SACCO managers and members themselves. Meanwhile, Sadik Musa Rukandwa also from the state house says money sent from government is not looking for presidential vote is to get peo
UJK Coodinator quoting the Constitution of Uganda that empowers everyone to enjoy and express his or her self without restriction
BRIEF REPORT ON WORLD PRESS FREEDOM DAY 2019 AT VIRINA GARDENS KASESE ON 3RD MAY All dignitaries: Hon. Members of Parliament RDC Chairpersons LGs OBR representative The Mayor Kasese municipality, councilors All protocol observed Invited guests, ladies and gentlemen I take the opportunity to thank each one for attending this World Press Freedom Day Aware we are the “Forth Estate” and to others “Unwanted witnesses” I take the opportunity to thank each one for attending this World Press Freedom Day We the “foot soldiers” feel very much privileged with your physical presence to celebrate the fundamental principles of press and evaluating press freedom around the world. The promise of government is that it will work for all people—that government will reflect the will of the people, serve and be accountable to people, and secure basic rights, freedoms, protections, and opportunities for all people. But to my shock, this is not really happening. Kasese police has blocked Journalists twice as they try to make follow ups on sensitive matter. HRDs, Journalists have been targeted, beaten, arrested, intimidated as they execute their duties by security agencies “Police, UPDF and armed personnel’s in plain clothes.” Despite safeguards, human rights abuses persist due to differences in interpretation and acceptability of aspects of Universal Deceleration on Human Rights (UDHR) and enforcement is still problematic in many countries even among signatories to UDHR. That is why journalists’ role remains crucial to expose abuse and enlighten the citizens to demand for their rights and in a Post Conflict Society (PCS) like this region, professionalism and code of conduct is key. Clampdown on mainstream independent media. We have seen government agencies, state, officials stiffing media freedom. It is on this note that we call demand that UCC reverse its directive on NBS TV and others like Salt Media, Sima radio, Pearl FM and others. It is uncertain to order
UJK is an organisation seeking to improve working conditions of journalists. It also protects and promote media freedom, professionalism and ethical standards in the media industry. Members work across the industry – as freelances, writers and reporters, editors, sub-editors and photographers. Members are drawn from broadcast, print and online media.
The UJK is affiliated to Human Rights Network for Journalists Uganda (HRNJ-U) and the National Coalition of Human Rights Defenders Uganda (NCHRD U).
UJK Theory of Change:
The importance of cooperation between freelancers across borders has increased over the years. Colleagues inspire each other; union workers share ideas and experiences.Contracts and fees, training, authors’ rights, and professional standards are all key issues for the growing– and ever more precarious- freelance community of journalists. Innovative financing models, which can give freelance journalists new possibilities/niches in media, are being explored.UJK and its affiliatesstrive to defend and to promote freelance rights. We say to our staff colleagues: in order to defend your rights and conditions of work, you can do nothing more effective than to promote the highest standards for freelance respecting the journalistic code of ethics.
THE ORGANIZATIONS OBJECTIVES INCLUDE:
Our Programmes:
The media industry are undergoing drastic changes due to the emergence of new technologies in the way news are produced and consumed as well as the structural changes driven by the economic crisis. The emergence of online journalists, social media journalists, multi-media journalists, entrepreneurial journalists and many other forms of doing journalism has not only challenged the traditional belief of being a journalist, it has also led to demand for jobs, new skills, training and protection of their professional and social rights. Complementing this digital shift, individual careers in the audio, visual and live streaming social perspective; UJK want to initiate a project on its performances and impact affecting the development and the implications of those developments and skills. Under this program we want to help journalists,associations and media houses in western Uganda to embrace the new opportunities. We encourage innovation through skill-building activities.
Media Against Hate is an initiative aiming to counter hate speech and discrimination in the media, both on and offline, by promoting ethical standards, while maintaining respect for freedom of expression. Our work is underpinned by the belief that the rights to equality and freedom of expression are mutually reinforcing and essential to human dignity. The media and journalists play a crucial role in informing both policy and societal opinion regarding hate speech and stereotypes targeting diverse culture in Uganda and across borders.
UJK provides specialized training in developmental communication skills, policy, human rights, reproductive health, public speaking, lobbying and advocacy through partnership program. The capacity building program help journalists gain skills and experience in development that is gender sensitive and inclusive.
This program focuses more on investigative journalism using human rights based approach. Telling the untold story including documenting the state of human rights violation in general since the journalists are detached from the community.
Bwera Broadcasting Services-BBS
Bwera-Kassee
