Busoga journalists warned against being used to fight political wars

MEDIA

Journalists have been warned against being used to fight political wars in the media, but author inspiring stories and dispense information which is fit for public consumption.

Being the public mouthpiece, the media should avoid negative stories, but also bear components featuring social and economic developments.

Speaking to Journalists of Busoga in Busoga Square on Sunday, the district Woman MP for Namutumba, Mariam Naigaga, advised journalists to think outside the box and stop being used to fight "useless" wars.

"You should take on adding value to yourselves, other than fighting ugly wars. Think about joining SACCOs and be active, if you're to have a share of the national cake," Naigaga, the treasurer of the NRM Women Parliamentary caucus, said, on Friday.

The journalists, under Busoga Journalists Association SACCO (BUJOSA), were attending their Annual General Meeting (AGM), to review the 2018 performance, the achievements, challenges and way forward.

Naigaga, who was the chief guest, urged journalists not to rush for money, but do their work professionally in order to get automatic price tags, owing to the quality of work delivered.

"We have heard scenarios where reporters are given sh5,000/- to defame a legislator, minus getting the latter's reaction," Naigaga said, adding that they should emulate the successful people they profile in the media.

Appealing to them to embrace research to have beautiful stories, Naigaga said government is empowering organised SACCOs, this why journalists should team up  and grasp the "rare" opportunity.

She revealed that government is set to release sh100m shortly to BUJOSA, so that members buy gadgets to improve services and undertake support businesses.

The Chairman of BUJOSA, Trevor Solomon Baleke, said the 106 member SACCO has registered steady progress and still counting.

"Having started with sh2m savings in 2014, we now have sh27m worth of cash and assets," Baleke, also the district NRM administrative secretary for Kamuli, said.

Earlier, Hellen Namutamba, the Presidential Advisor on Poverty Alleviation for Busoga, appealed to journalists to plan for their advanced age.

"Advanced age is dismal, especially when one didn't plan. Strive to have what shall pay you during the latter days," Namutamba, also the Minister for Tourism in Obwakyabazinga bwa Busoga, said.

Muwuma called upon journalists to embrace modern innovations and technologies, saying it is the way to go.  

The AGM paid off as friends of the media fraternity contributed over sh8m to empower the SACCO.

The NRM Secretary General, Justine Kasule Lumumba, who was represented by former Kigulu South MP, Milton Muwuma, donated sh2m while Naigaga, on behalf of the NRM Women Parliamentary Caucus, offered sh3m.

Others were Jinja West MP, Moses Grace Balyeku sh500,000, Namutamba sh2m, among others.