Bukedde marks 21 years of excellent service

By Andrew Ssenyonga

Bukedde, Uganda's leading vernacular newspaper under Vision Group, has celebrated two decades since its maiden publication on August 29, 1994.

Over this period, the daily has gone on to prove skeptics wrong – cynics who had, at the idea of its formation, predicted it would not thrive, especially with the existence then of Ngabo and Munno, both vernacular papers.

Today, the newspaper has gone on to bask in its well-earned popularity, alongside its sister broadcast platforms Bukedde TV and Bukedde Radio which were started along the way.

A Holy Service was held at the Vision Group head offices on Friday, and was led by the Bishop of Namirembe Diocese, Wilberforce Kityo Luwalira.

In his message, the Anglican leader, donning red and white priestly robes, underlined Bukedde's "important work to society" through its compelling stories.

"I implore you to work hard and also remember the past. I also want to ask you to report stories that are more keen on building the nation," Luwalira said.

He spoke of the need for objective reporting of issues in society and tasked Bukedde to continue building on its reputation of innovation and creativity.

Luwalira was taken on a tour of the Vision Group offices by the multimedia company's CEO Robert Kabushenga moments before the holy service.

Clerics from different religions, Buganda and Central government ministers joined in on the euphoria.

The Luganda (local dialect) publication's genesis was the work of a small team led by Maurice Sekawungu who put up a show of commitment and hardwork to see the budding newspaper to greater heights. And indeed, it has been no turning back for Bukedde which continues to relish its success in the local media industry.

Sekawungu handed over responsibility to current managing editor of vernacular newspapers Geoffrey Kulubya in 2004.

CEO Kabushenga cautioned the Bukedde staff against using the company to boast over people.

"God enabled you to get this job to serve his people so use it well in that effect," he said.

The state minister for agriculture Vincent Ssempijja thanked vision group for the contribution towards improvement of agriculture in the country.

"You have given the sector more space on each and every platform at vision group. This has helped the public to improve the agricultural sector in the country.

He also rallied vision group staff embrace agriculture as an alleviate poverty and improve their household income.