23 New Vision scribes lined up for ACME awards

Mar 23, 2017

The twenty three nominees are part of 80 journalists who have been shortlisted for the awards.

2016 winners pose in a group photo. Photo/File

Twenty Three New Vision journalists have been nominated by the African Centre for Media Excellence (ACME) for exceptional journalism awards in various categories.

The twenty three nominees are part of 80 journalists who have been shortlisted for the awards. The annual awards organised by ACME are meant to recognise and promote excellence in reporting and to inspire quality journalism in Uganda.

They include Carol Natukunda, Gloria Nakajubi, Claire Namanya, Carol Kasujja, Hope Mafaranga, Betty Amamukiror, Gerald Tenywa, Pascal Kwesiga, John Masaba, Conan Businge, Charles Etukuri, Steven Ssenkaba, Ronald Mugabe, Paul Busharizi, Edward Anyoli, Andante Okanya, Andrew Masinde, Geoffrey Mutegeki Araali, Lilian Namusoke Magezi, Daniel Edyegu and Billy Rwothungeyo.

In the broadcast categories, Ronald Kato, from sister broadcast station, Urban Television, is also a nominee for the same awards.

This year's winners will be announced at an event on Wednesday, April 12, 2017, at Golf Course Hotel in Kampala. Dr Louis Kasekende, the deputy governor of Bank of Uganda, will be the chief guest.

Each winner will take home a cash prize of sh2.5 m, a commemorative plaque, and a certificate. Each runner-up will receive sh1m and a certificate. Where there is a tie, the prize money will be shared accordingly.

According to ACME, one hundred eighty six (186) journalists from media outlets across Uganda participated in the 2017 competition, a 25 per cent increase over the previous year.

There was also a marked increase in the number of stories entered. The overall number of entries from print, broadcast and online platforms was 307, up from 237 in the 2016 edition.

"The general standard of entries continues to improve year-on-year," said Dr George Lugalambi, who has chaired the judging panel since the awards were first held in 2014.

"More than ever, the shortlisted journalists produced stories that competed against some of the best in the industry and are truly deserving of a place on the final list," Dr Lugalambi said.

There were 20 categories with health, features, education and local reporting attracting the highest number of entries. Competition was greatest in the explanatory and education reporting categories. At least three judges evaluated each story and each of them provided extensive comments to support the mark given.

"While the awards serve to reward excellence, they are also a vital tool in informing us about the knowledge and skills gaps in Ugandan journalism," said ACME Executive Director Peter G. Mwesige.

"The awards further provide us with a solid baseline on which to tailor our training programmes, small grants and mentoring efforts," he said.

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