14 Vision Group journalists shortlisted for ACME awards

KAMPALA - Vision Group journalists have once again demonstrated their journalistic excellence, with a strong showing on the shortlist for the 2025 Uganda National Journalism Awards, organised by the African Centre for Media Excellence (ACME).

 The competition, now in its 11th edition, shifted to evaluating bodies of work rather than single stories, allowing journalists to showcase depth, consistency and commitment to public interest reporting.

And Vision Group’s newsroom responded in full force.

In agriculture reporting, Nelson Mandela Muhoozi (New Vision) was recognised for his in-depth investigations into Uganda’s tea sector crisis.

Senior Multimedia Journalist Gerald Tenywa

His series, “Over 100,000 jobs at stake as 9 tea factories close” and “Is policy vacuum responsible for collapse of tea sector” highlighted the economic and policy struggles endangering thousands of livelihoods.

Joseph Batte (New Vision) earned a spot in Arts Reporting, breathing life into Uganda’s music legends with moving features such as “The untold life story of Philly Lutaaya” and “Nathaniel Mata: The blind Obangaina composer lives like a pauper.”

Journalist Lawrence Kizito

In Energy and Natural Resources Reporting, John Odyek (New Vision) stood out for his coverage of Uganda’s shift to renewable energy, including “Ugandans want the price of cooking gas reduced” and “Small miners look to banks for growth.”

Robert Adiga (New Vision) was nominated in Health Reporting for stories such as “Why TB persists in West Nile amidst interventions” and “Cervical cancer a thorn in the flesh of women in Greater Arua,” shining a light on overlooked health issues in the region.

Multimedia Simon Masaba

In Justice, Law and Order Reporting, Vision Group fielded two contenders: Michael Odeng and Edward Anyoli (New Vision) were shortlisted for exposing judicial and corruption challenges, while Simon Masaba (New Vision) brought hard-hitting crime investigations like “Sayooni: Hidden den of Kampala boda boda gangs” and “Uncovering cement adulteration racket.”

Importantly, Lawrence Kizito (Bukedde) brought Bukedde into the spotlight in the same category with his powerful body of work in Luganda. His stories, “Enguzi: Enkalu okununula ssente za Gavt. ezibbibwa abanene,” “Ekirina okukolebwa okununula ssente okuva mu bali b’enguzi,” and “Ssente z’obwegassi: Kiki ekisibye fayiro okutuuka mu kkooti?” delved into the hidden networks of corruption and the complex struggle to recover stolen public funds.

Political developments were sharply covered by Nelson Kiva and Umaru Kashaka (both New Vision), whose nominations in Political Reporting included stories on the Anti-Homosexuality Act, Bobi Wine-Mpuuga fallout, Gen. Muhoozi’s rising political profile, and shifting political alliances ahead of the 2026 elections.

Journalist Edward Anyoli

In Public Accountability Reporting, Gerald Tenywa (New Vision) stood out with thought-provoking coverage of sustainability, SDGs, and the environment, asking whether Uganda’s development model is advancing equity and long-term progress.

Vision Group’s regional platforms were also well represented. In Religion Reporting, Rosemary Anena (Radio Rupiny) was shortlisted for a powerful and deeply reflective portfolio.

Her stories included “The long wait for closure for victims of LRA atrocities in Pagak Parish is still far from over,” which revisited the pain and resilience of communities affected by conflict. She also profiled Archbishop Odama’s 25 years of service, documented how Gulu Christians reenacted the Way of the Cross, and captured how millennials are reconnecting with the spiritual meaning of Christmas.

Journalist Nelson Muhoozi Mandela

Meanwhile, Johnisani Ocakacon (Radio Rupiny) earned a nomination in Community Reporting for his three-part series on spina bifida and hydrocephalus. Through personal narratives, local insight, and advocacy, his reporting brought attention to the everyday realities of families navigating disability, challenging stigma and calling for better healthcare access in Northern Uganda.

This year’s awards attracted 147 journalists from across Uganda, with Vision Group journalists shortlisted in several competitive categories, including Health, Community Reporting, Energy, and Justice.

While Kampala-based entries dominated (56%), reporters from upcountry media like Bukedde and Radio Rupiny added vital regional depth and authenticity to the national conversation.

Journalist Nelson Kiva

Finalists will be celebrated at a gala on May 28, 2025, at Mestil Hotel in Kampala. Vision Group extends its congratulations to all nominees and remains proud of the impactful journalism its team continues to deliver.

With stories that inform, inspire, and hold power to account, Vision Group journalists remain a force in Uganda’s media landscape.