Journalists decry inadequate welfare, seek govt support

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The Uganda Journalists Union (UJU) has expressed concern about the poor welfare of journalists, particularly stringers working for upcountry media houses, noting that this is contributing to job insecurity.

Because of poor welfare and low pay, some journalists facing significant financial stress take on side jobs to make ends meet.

“We request the government to set a minimum wage, primarily focusing on ensuring basic standards of living and improving overall working conditions in an industry often characterised by low pay and long hours,” said the president of UJU, Evelyne Nalule.

To ensure media sustainability, she said journalists need press freedom, access to public information, safety from intimidation, and legal protection for sources.



“Since Uganda is a democratic country, for effective, balanced reporting, we request the government to facilitate fair, unbiased, and prompt access to official data for journalists.”

Nalule​ made the remarks during the handover ceremony of iftar packages to Muslim journalists held at the Office of the National Chairman of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) in Kyambogo on Thursday.

Over 100 Muslim journalists from different media houses received the handouts containing items including sugar, salt, porridge and cooking oil for breaking the fast.

Hajjat Hadijjah Namyalo, in charge of NRM-ONC, addressing journalists during the handover of packages to Muslim journalists at the Office of the National Chairman of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) in Kyambogo on 5th March 2026. (Photo by Juliet Kasirye)

“I thank Hajjat Hadijjah Namyalo, the in-charge of NRM-ONC, for her thoughtful gesture in sending an iftar package to our Muslims. It was a wonderful and much-appreciated surprise," said Nalule on behalf of journalists.

During the meeting, some journalists revealed that despite writing and broadcasting stories that have elevated many influential people to positions of authority, they remain poor and disadvantaged.

UJU general secretary Stephen Ouma Bwire said a free, ethical, and accountable media is only crucial for Uganda’s development if the journalists have good welfare and reasonable pay.

“We request the government to build our capacity so that we can use a multiplicity of sources at our disposal to disseminate information to the public," he said.

While addressing journalists, Namyalo pledged to lobby and empower journalists economically.

“I know there are some particular people who don’t want to see you elevated because they want to own you. Personally, I believe in empowering, sharing and uplifting those in need,” said Namyalo.