A group of 25 Journalism and Communication lecturers from 13 universities and institutions converged at Elsie Hotel Masaka, for a 3 day training in Multimedia Journalism and Digital skills supported by U.S Mission Uganda. The training took place from January 22nd-24th 2023 and was centered on appreciation of multimedia journalism and how lecturers can train journalism students to appreciate and leverage on new media platforms.

Universities and Institutions involved in the Multimedia Journalism training

  1. Uganda Christian University, Mukono
  2. Uganda Martyrs University, Nkozi
  3. Makerere Business Institute
  4. Cavendish University Uganda
  5. Kampala International University
  6. UMCAT School of Journalism and Mass Communication
  7. Islamic University In Uganda
  8. Young Men Christian’s Association
  9. Ndejje University
  10. Mountains Of The Moon University
  11. Bishop Stuart University
  12. Victoria University
  13. Uganda Management Institute
Introduction and welcome remarks on first day of the training

Introduction and welcome remarks on first day of the training

Day 2 started with a look into 21st Century Education and how learning can be facilitated today for journalism students incorporating digital skills using digital technologies. 21st Century skills were a key aspect that was discussed for every lecturer to be able to inculcate into their learners.

21st Century Skills needed for every learner today

21st Century Skills needed for every learner today

This was followed by a discussion on what 21st century journalism should entail, looking at skills required of a journalist today and an honest assessment of the current courses offered at the different journalism institutions. This set a precedent for the next discussion on how to cultivate a multimedia mindset among learners. The last activity was a practical session on how to search the internet effectively for relevant content.

Day Two of training of Journalism lecturers in Multimedia Journalism and Digital Skills

Day Two of training of Journalism lecturers in Multimedia Journalism and Digital Skills

Day 3 began with a recap of Day 2 sessions facilitated by John Tatyamisa from Ndejje University and Nalwoga Zuraika from Victoria University Kampala. This was followed by a session on Crowdsourced journalism, looking at how the lecturers can help their students appreciate the aspect of tapping into the collective intelligence of online and offline crowds to complement their journalistic work. 

Tonny Kujawa and Dorothy Nanyonga from the U.S Embassy Uganda shared remarks with the Journalism lecturers virtually, thanking them for their commitment and time put into attending the training.

Watch below remarks from Tonny Kujawa and Dorothy Nanyonga

 The final session of the day was a café discussion on what journalism students, lecturers, institutions and media houses can do to ensure multimedia journalism flourishes. This was done in 4 groups, with each selecting a group leader to present on their behalf afterwards.

Presentations after the cafe discussion

Presentations after the Cafe discussion

The last activity of the day was issuance of certificates of completion for all Journalism lecturers in attendance.

Certificates for Journalism lecturers after Multimedia Journalism and Digital Skills training

Certificates for Journalism lecturers after Multimedia Journalism and Digital Skills training

Reflections from Ms. Rose Kuribakanya Rwankore after the training.

Reflections from Ogwang Vincent De Paul after the training.