Rwenzori Region Journalists form a forum

Radio journalists from eleven FM Rwenzori Region FM radio stations have formed a forum called Rwenzori Journalist Forum (RJF). The forum was created after a three days residential training workshop held between 3^rd to 5^th April, 2012 at St. Joseph’s Inn, Virika in Fort Portal – Uganda. The workshop was organized by Toro Development Network (ToroDev) – A fort Portal based ICT for Development organization.

The local FM radio journalists created the forum for continued information and knowledge sharing on issues of improved socio-economic development broadcasting, advocacy for improved policies on information access especially from local and central governments and advocacy for the rights of journalists among other things.

Participants with Hon. Alex Ruhunda (middle)

The three days journalists training workshop included radio journalists/presenters from the eleven (11) rural FM radio stations based in the Rwenzori region districts of Kabarole, Kyenjojo, Kamwenge, Bundibugyo and Kasese.

‘’The forum will bring us together and share a lot of information and facts regarding public accountability.” Said Patrick Bamanyisa the Programs Director of Voice of Tooro 101 FM. Bamanyisa was elected as the interim chairperson of the Rwenzori Journalist Forum.

The 3 days training workshop on socio-economic broadcasting for community development attracted 30 FM radio staff invited from the 11 radio stations. They included news editors, program moderators and programs directors.

The training was facilitated by three consultants from PANOS Eastern Africa, Human Rights Network Uganda (HURINET-U) and Uganda Journalist Union (UJU). Ten (10) members of the listenership clubs were also invited to share and interact with media practitioners and also gain more skills to participate in broadcasting for socio-economic development.

The trainings focused on issues related to active participation of marginalized population groups (rural women & youths) in local government budgeting processes, monitoring service delivery & public accountability, designing pro-rural public accountability radio programs, establishing and strengthening linkages between FM radio staff and listeners, socio-economic information access and broadcasting and rights of journalists and development activists.

The workshop was opened officially by the Kabarole District Chairperson Hon. Rwabuhinga Richard on 3^rd April, 2012 who called for professional reporting for community development. Rwabuhinga also promised improved cooperation in information access to local FM radio journalists.

The training workshop was closed by the Fort Portal Municipality Member of Parliament Hon. Alex Ruhunda on 5^th April, 2012 who promised support in improved policies and laws at the central government level to enable the creation of a favorable environment to radio journalists for improved community development broadcasting.