By Hannah Marion Namukasa
Journalists seeking stronger professional unity, improved welfare, better protection of media practitioners and a more relevant Uganda Journalists Association (UJA) have been urged to elect Kabuye Ronald as the Secretary General. Kabuye Ronald is the serving UJA secretary for information and spokesperson.
Kabuye Ronald appeals to journalists to support his candidacy on the strength of his experience in the association, his advocacy for journalists’ rights and his commitment to redefining journalism in an era increasingly shaped by digital media and emerging technologies.
Having served as UJA secretary for information and spokesperson for two terms, Kabuye Ronald says his experience has given him an understanding of the challenges journalists face and the need to strengthen the association’s role in defending their interests.
During his tenure, he has been vocal in advocating for journalists whose rights and welfare have allegedly been violated by security personnel, government officials, employers and members of the public. His campaign highlights efforts to seek intervention in cases involving journalists who face threats, intimidation or harm while carrying out their professional duties.
Kabuye has also pursued accountability for alleged violations of journalists’ rights, including taking cases to courts of law where necessary. His supporters can point to this record of advocacy as a reason to consider him for the association’s top administrative position.
Beyond his responsibilities at UJA, Kabuye Ronald works with Metro FM 90.8 as a producer, senior journalist and presenter. He is also the managing editor of Trusted News Uganda, an online publication.
These roles have exposed him to newsroom operations, media production, reporting and the changing demands of the journalism profession.
His experience in both media practice and professional association leadership could be an advantage as UJA seeks to address the challenges facing journalists, including changing business models, technological disruption, professional ethics and the need for continuous skills development.
At the centre of Ronald’s campaign is the promise to redefine journalism while preserving the values that give the profession its credibility.
He argues that journalism must continue to uphold truth, professionalism, ethics, public interest and the voices of ordinary citizens while adapting to the realities of digital media and new technologies.
For journalists, this agenda raises important questions about how the profession can maintain accuracy and accountability in an environment where information spreads rapidly and digital platforms continue to change how news is produced and consumed.
Kabuye Ronald says his priorities include strengthening unity among journalists, improving their welfare, promoting professional standards, supporting young and emerging reporters, and creating opportunities for skills development and innovation.
If implemented, these priorities could help UJA become more responsive to the needs of journalists at different stages of their careers and working across traditional and digital media platforms.
The Secretary General plays an important role in coordinating an association’s activities, implementing its programmes and helping translate members’ priorities into practical action.
Kabuye’s two terms as information secretary and spokesperson give him experience within UJA that could help him understand its institutional strengths, shortcomings and opportunities for improvement.
His campaign also places journalists’ safety and professional dignity at the centre of the association’s future. For reporters, photographers, producers and other media practitioners who face threats while covering public affairs, effective representation and timely intervention remain important concerns.
However, the ultimate test of any candidate will be the ability to turn campaign promises into measurable results, maintain accountability to members and ensure that the association represents journalists across the country.
Kabuye Ronald is urging journalists to look beyond the election and consider the future they want for their profession.
His message is that a stronger UJA should be built around unity, professional excellence, journalists’ welfare, protection of media practitioners and the development of new skills needed to navigate the changing media environment.
As journalists prepare to elect their next executive leaders on 07th, November, Kabuye Ronald is presenting himself as a candidate on the Secretary General post, whose experience in UJA leadership and active involvement in newsroom work could help advance these priorities.
“Together, we can build a stronger, more relevant, and more respected journalism profession,” Kabuye says in his campaign message.
His campaign is anchored in a clear appeal: redefine journalism, strengthen the association and put the interests of journalists at the centre of UJA’s work.
