New Vision journalist scoops CNN Multichoice prizes

By John Odyek

New Vision journalist Gerald Tenywa has received the environment award in the coveted 2012 CNN Multichoice African Journalism awards. Tenywa received a cash prize, a laptop computer, printer and Nokia 800 Lumia mobile phone.

The environment award was presented to Tenywa by Dr. Magatte Wade, the acting head of external relations and communication, African Development Bank.

Gerald’s story was entitled ‘Concrete Graves Threaten Environment’.

The judge’s citation of the story was: “Environment stories are not usually exciting. This story is an exception. It is a simple story told brilliantly. Gerald has amazing journalistic skills and has brought to the fore something that most Africans have not thought about before now.”

The judges highlighted the excellent work of another New Vision journalist

Stephen Ssenkaba and awarded him a certifi cate of commendation. He scooped a cash prize and a Nokia 800 Lumia. Ssenkaba presented a story entitled, ‘Namugongo: Guillotine turned sanctuary and Monument that represents Uganda’s freedom.’

Tenywa and Ssenkaaba were among the 34 finalists at the awards ceremony held in Lusaka, Zambia on Saturday. The awards are arguably the most prestigious media accolades in Africa.

Two other Ugandans also received certificates of commendation and received similar prizes like Ssenkaaba. These were Nelson Wesonga of Daily Monitor and Edward Echwalu from The Observer. 

A statement from the CNN/MultiChoice African Journalist Award 2012 said the story about an African tribe in India, long-forgotten and little-known, garnered two Kenyans, Tom Mboya and Evanson Nyaga, the top prize at the ceremony