By Hannah Marion Namukasa
On Sunday, May 4th, 2025, the Uganda Journalists Association (UJA) hosted the 3rd Edition of the annual World Press Freedom Day (WPFD) Media Football Gala at Kitante Primary School Playground in Kampala. The event marked the commemoration of World Press Freedom Day, observed globally every year on May 3rd.
Launched in 2022, the Gala has grown into a dynamic platform that uses sport to promote press freedom advocacy in Uganda. It brings together journalists, policymakers, judicial officers, legislators, corporate partners, and the public to discuss and act on the challenges facing journalism and media freedom.
This year’s event saw active participation from over 20 teams including media houses, civil society organizations, government institutions, and private sector representatives. Notable stakeholders included judicial officers from the Uganda Judiciary, members of Parliament, and representatives from political and corporate entities.
The event was officially opened by Jackline Kamakune, Head of Communications at the National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board, who represented the Executive Director, Denis Mudene Ngabirano. She was joined by UJA President Mathias Rukundo, Secretary General Emmanuel Kirunda, Head of Events Joseph Kwizera, and His Worship Martin Kirya from the Uganda Judicial Officers Association (UJOA).
In her remarks, Kamakune emphasized the importance of journalists uniting under their umbrella body, UJA, to strengthen their collective voice and secure their rights. She noted that journalists are key partners in advocating for responsible betting, a shared goal with the Regulatory Board.
UJA President Mathias Rukundo highlighted sport as a unifying force. He praised the Media Football Gala for fostering collaboration between the media and various stakeholders in promoting and defending press freedom. Rukundo also condemned ongoing violations against journalists, including physical assaults by security forces, and called for accountability and reform.
This year’s edition was sponsored by the National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board and the Corporate Sports Network. The Gala followed a seven-a-side competition format, featuring 22 teams. It was closed by retired Brig. Shaban Lukyamuzi, who awarded trophies to the winners.
The Church of Uganda Media Association (CHOUMA) clinched the championship title after defeating KBS TV with a score of 3-1 in the final match. CHOUMA received a trophy, a goat, and gold medals, while KBS TV earned silver medals.
In the semifinals, KBS TV beat Umbrella in a 6-5 penalty shootout, while CHOUMA secured a 1-0 win against Family Radio. CHOUMA’s main sponsor was CBS FM Radio, whose editors Davis Joel Ddungu and Annet Nalubwama praised the Gala for its role in uniting the media fraternity. CHOUMA player Joel Kiyengo credited their victory to teamwork and UJA’s excellent organization.
The next edition of the WPFD Media Football Gala is scheduled for May 2026.
Participating Teams:
New Vision, Uganda Journalists Association FC, Bukedde, Uganda Airlines, Metro FM Radio, Gugudde TV, Impact FM, KBS TV, Entertainment Journalists Association of Uganda (EJAU), Kampala Best Photographs, Rest TV, Entertainment Commanders, Uganda Judicial Officers Association (UJOA), Umbrella, Family FM, Media Challenge Initiative, UMCAT School of Journalism, CBS FM 88.8, Uganda Parliamentary Press Association (UPPA), Church of Uganda Media Association (CHOUMA), Hope Channel, Okwera Foundation.
