Vision Group journalists Kirunda, Kalungi to head new UJA leadership
UJA president Emmanuel Kirunda (3rd right) anchored his campaign on institutional reform, press freedom, safety and professional development. (Courtesy photos)
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Vision Group journalist Emmanuel Kirunda has been elected president of the Uganda Journalists Association (UJA), succeeding Mathias Rukundo.
Kirunda, the outgoing UJA secretary general, clinched the top position during the association’s annual general assembly at its Keti Falawo offices in Kawempe, Kampala, on November 7, 2026.
The race took a dramatic turn after Kirunda’s main challenger, Vision Group’s Jay Rizik Kalungi Agonzibwa, withdrew from the contest.
Returning officer, advocate Gilbert Mbonye, had asked the two candidates and their agents to hold a brief, five-minute consultation to find common ground.
Upon returning to the assembly, Mbonye announced Kalungi’s withdrawal, after which she was declared vice-president, filling a position that had remained vacant during the initial voting.
Before the development, both candidates had outlined distinct visions for the union.
Kalungi championed economic welfare and financial security.
She proposed establishing a journalists' Savings and Credit Cooperative Organisation (SACCO) to provide affordable loans, arguing that media practitioners deserved a structured financial support system similar to that available in other professions.
She also pledged to establish a medical emergency fund for journalists struggling with treatment costs, while pushing for scholarships and mentorship programmes for female and upcoming media workers.
On unity, she urged the association to operate as a family rather than a political faction.
Introducing himself as a journalist ready to give the union renewed direction, he outlined seven key priorities.
He reminded members of his track record, citing his role in the 2022 constitutional petition that challenged the beating of journalists at the UN offices in Kololo, and his recent efforts to secure the release of detained journalist Remmy Asiteza.
"Press freedom must go beyond the right to publish; it must include economic rights, fair remuneration, and better working conditions," Kirunda told the assembly.
He also promised to expand the World Press Freedom Day Media Football Gala to regional hubs to foster solidarity across different media houses, and pledged to attract more development partners to strengthen the union's capacity.
The newly elected executive team includes Ronald Kabuye as secretary general, Issa Kigongo as treasurer and Tadeo Damba as organising secretary.
Rachael Namuli Nakabugo takes on the production docket, Mukisa Daniel handles external relations, while Hakim Mubiru oversees health and social welfare.
Regional representation will be led by Ismail Bategeka (Western), Ivan Keziron Wakibi (Eastern) and Joseph Omagor (Northern).