Africa-Press – Uganda. The Katikkiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga, has commended journalists from various media houses for their professionalism and commitment to accurate reporting, citing their critical role in informing the public amid the growing influence of social media and unregulated information.
Mayiga made the remarks during an annual journalists’ appreciation ceremony organised by the Buganda Kingdom’s Ministry of Information at the Kingdom headquarters in Bulange, Mengo, on Saturday.
He urged journalists accredited to Mengo to approach their work with seriousness, integrity and responsibility, noting that the public increasingly relies on professional journalists for verified and credible information.
“The importance of your work has grown even more because of social media. Today, anyone can wake up and say anything without accountability. Just like in the past when everyone claimed to have medicine without being a doctor, today everyone claims to have news,” Mayiga said.
“The public now depends on credible journalists for accurate information, and you must therefore execute your duty diligently,” he added.
While acknowledging the challenges facing the media profession, Mayiga cautioned journalists to meet their responsibilities on time, uphold the dignity of their profession and avoid spreading false information, including unverified content circulating on digital platforms.
He also applauded journalists covering Buganda Kingdom affairs for their innovation, particularly the establishment of a Savings and Credit Cooperative Organisation (SACCO) aimed at improving their financial wellbeing. Mayiga encouraged journalists to join the SACCO, stressing that financial stability and a culture of saving are vital.
“I sincerely thank you, the Kingdom’s journalists. If we do many good things and the public does not know about them, then our efforts are wasted,” he said.
Quoting a Luganda proverb, “Atunda ayolesa y’amazaawo amangu,” Mayiga noted that visibility and effective communication are key to ensuring the public understands the Kingdom’s programmes and achievements.
The Minister for Information, Mobilisation and Kingdom Spokesperson, Israel Kazibwe Kitooke, also praised journalists for their professionalism, technical competence and ethical conduct. He said they have consistently reported on Buganda Kingdom matters objectively, despite criticism from detractors.
The Coordinator of Information Services in the Ministry of Information and Head of the Buganda Media Centre, Frobisher Mujjuzi, commended journalists for their reliability and commitment, noting their readiness to respond whenever called upon and their role in ensuring Buganda Kingdom news reaches audiences locally and internationally.
Meanwhile, the Chairperson of the Mengo-based Journalists’ Committee, Annet Nalubwama, said the committee is focused on improving journalists’ welfare and professional development. She explained that the SACCO was established to promote financial empowerment and sustainable livelihoods among journalists.
In recognition of their contribution to promoting Buganda Kingdom activities, journalists were presented with Christmas gifts as a token of appreciation for their dedicated service.
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