Journalists asked foster fight against climate change

Geoffrey Mutegeki Araali

The National Forestry Authority (NFA) executive director, Michael Mugisa, has implored journalists to answer the climate change call by reporting stories which provide analysis of climate-change effects.

Mugisa, who was presiding over tree planting activities by Tooro Media Practitioner’s Association (TOMPA) in Fort Portal while marking the World Press Freedom Day on May 3, noted that the more society gets to know about climate change the easier it will become to reduce it.

“You have made a very big step towards saving our environment by choosing to plant trees on this day. I want to implore you to take issues of climate change very seriously. It has now become a world threat,” Mugisa said.

He challenged journalists to take a lead in tree planting in their homes, so that other members of the community learn from them.

“To save the environment you need to act now. It is upon us as individuals to protect the forests, plant more trees and conserve the environment,” Mugisa said

Alex Ruhunda, the MP Fort Portal Municipality, noted that climate change needs to be addressed at all levels. Ruhunda called for quality reporting that will foster development.

“We are here to show solidarity with the media, we understand the conditions you work in but we call upon you to maintain quality journalism for better being of the community,” Ruhunda said.

Emmanuel Kajubu, the chairperson TOMPA, revealed that the association decided to plant trees since the Rwenzori region is much threatened by climate change.

“We want to show concern by increasing awareness of climate change to our people. We are not going to stop at planting trees today, but will continue with the campaign,” Kajubu said.

Richard Rwabuhinga, the Kabarole district LC5 chairperson urged women to embrace the media fraternity which is mainly dominated by men.

“We are talking of gender equality, but few women are in practice. We need more women so that issues of women are well reported. They tell their own story.” Rwabuhinga said.

William Kasigazi, a journalist, challenged fellow media practitioners to be creative and invest in income generating activities.

The trees were planted at Kabarole district headquarters Kitumba, Fort Portal Police Barracks, and Kabarole youth center.
 
Journalists were supplied with trees to plant in their homes to mark the day.

The day was celebrated under the theme: Let Journalism Thrive! Towards Better Reporting, Gender Equality, and Safety in the Digital Age"