Africa-Press – Uganda. JOURNALISMVision Group journalist Mathias Rukundo will take over as the new president of the Uganda Journalists Association (UJA) with a renewed pledge to unite all journalists in the country, following his election to the position on Saturday.He was declared unopposed – and therefore winner – by UJA returning officer Ben Musoke during the association’s annual general meeting at its head office in Kawempe.UJA is an umbrella body for all journalists in Uganda.This time around, the election was not competitive, with Musoke revealing that many aspirants picked nomination forms but did not return them.This left the contestants who returned their forms and successfully nominated, including for the presidency, unchallenged.”As the returning officer, I have to declare those who have fulfilled the requirements,” said Musoke.
Rukundo becomes the ninth UJA president, and follows in the footsteps of Bashir Kazibwe, Robert Kagolo, Joshua Kyalimpa, Ahmed Kateregga, Tamale Mirundi, Vicky Mukasa, James Namakajjo and Kintu Musoke.Speaking after being declared winner, he promised to unite journalists.During Saturday’s meeting, Doreen Mwesige Ampumuza was elected vice-president and Emmanuel Kirunda the secretary general deputized by John Paul Ssebaduka.Moses Bayola took the position of treasurer and Ronald Kabuye as the spokesperson deputized by Daniel Mumbere.Rebecca Kyobutungi was elected secretary for women in media, Mahad Wassajja the organizing secretary, Abbey Ramadhan the secretary for production and Farooq Kasule the secretary for media safety and human rights.Kasule had previously thrown his hat in the ring for the presidency but later pulled out of the race.
Another position declared was for secretary for education, won by Michael Mutumba while Patrick Mugerwa was elected secretary for employment.The meeting was presided over by Milton Kambula, the Global Peace Foundation ambassador, who called upon the newly-elected UJA leadership to engage in programmes that uplift members’ welfare.”Work for the livelihood of journalists and avoid conflicts that hinder their development,” urged Kambula.Unlike in previous elections where the regional representatives (vice-president) are elected during the general meeting, this time around they will be elected in their respective regions.The four regional positions are for central, northern, eastern and western.
