Vision Group commended for championing development journalism
Among the initiatives associated with Vision Group's development journalism is the Green Schools Project, which Wanyama said is aimed at promoting environmental awareness and practical conservation among schools and young people.
Vision Group Chief Executive Officer Don Wanyama speaking during the orientation of university freshers at ISBAT University Kampala on Wednesday (August 12). (Credit: Richard Sanya)
__________________ ISBAT University Director of Academic Affairs Dr Pradeep Kumar speaking during the orientation of university freshers at ISBAT University Kampala on Wednesday (August 12). (Credit: Richard Sanya)
The leadership of ISBAT University Kampala has commended Vision Group for using journalism and the company's wide media platforms to promote education, recognise excellence, and champion initiatives aimed at transforming communities.
The recognition came during the orientation of university freshers at ISBAT University Kampala on Wednesday (August 12). Vision Group Chief Executive Officer Don Wanyama was the chief guest at the function organised to unveil hundreds of fresh students, who attended both physically and online.
ISBAT University Director of Academic Affairs Dr Pradeep Kumar described Wanyama as a dynamic media and business leader whose contribution extends beyond the newsroom to include education and national development.
Kumar praised Wanyama's leadership at Vision Group, saying his experience as a trained teacher, journalist, and communication expert has helped him navigate the company's challenges while providing strategic direction.
He particularly pointed out Wanyama's involvement in initiatives supporting the education sector, citing the annual 'Teachers Making a Difference Awards', which recognise outstanding teachers for their contribution to learners and communities.
Kumar said Wanyama's leadership philosophy empowers people to power their business, adding that this closely resonates with ISBAT University's emphasis on empowering lives in Uganda and Africa.
Kumar said Vision Group's development-oriented work has increasingly placed education, agriculture, health, environment, and community empowerment among other issues.
Vision Group Chief Executive Officer Don Wanyama speaking during the orientation of university freshers at ISBAT University Kampala on Wednesday (August 12). (Credit: Richard Sanya)
Wanyama took students through education, career development, and their responsibility as young people to contribute to society.
“We believe in creating and publishing content that advances and transforms society,” Wanyama told the students, adding that there was no greater catalyst for transforming society than education.
He said Vision Group's operations include the New Vision and Bukedde newspapers, four television stations, seven radio stations, digital billboards, commercial printing, branding, events, courier services, and communication solutions through its agency dubbed Blend.
With more than 1,000 permanent and freelance workers and operations across several parts of the country, Wanyama said the organisation has positioned itself as more than a conventional media house.
According to Wanyama, Vision Group's journalism and public-interest campaigns have sought to connect information with practical action in communities.
Green Schools Project
Among the initiatives associated with Vision Group's development journalism is the Green Schools Project, which Wanyama said is aimed at promoting environmental awareness and practical conservation among schools and young people.
For a country facing increasing environmental pressures, Wanyama noted that such initiatives demonstrate how journalism can move beyond reporting problems to encouraging citizens to participate in finding solutions.
Teachers making a difference
Dr Kumar said education has also remained a major area of Vision Group's public-interest programming.
Accordingly, he said the 'Teachers Making a Difference Awards' have provided a platform for recognising teachers whose work goes beyond classroom instruction to transform the lives of learners and communities.
“The recognition of teachers is particularly significant because educators are often among the most influential people in shaping the future workforce, leaders, and professionals that Uganda needs,” he said.
University Quiz
Wanyama pointed out the Vision Group's University Quiz as an academic competition that brings universities together to test students across a range of subjects.
He congratulated ISBAT for participating in the competition and revealed that preparations were underway for the fourth season.
“The initiative allows university students to demonstrate knowledge, compete nationally, and gain exposure through television and other media platforms,” he said.
Such programmes, Wanyama argued, are part of the broader responsibility of media organisations to support young people's intellectual development.