Women Journalists tipped on business opportunities

4 April 2023, 3:35 pm

By Philip Onyango

Journalists have been advised always to have side business that can help them to sustain and survive in this hard economic

The advise was given to them by Dr. Ruth Aisha Biyinzika Kasolo during the Women and Media Symposium 2023 organized by Uganda Media Women’s Association UMWA to recognize and awarding the outstanding females journalists in Uganda’s media.

The symposium was held under the theme dubbed “Her story: Self, health and wealth”, as part of celebrating women’s month of March.

‘’Journalists should also get involved in other productive things like farming, rearing and upgrade their skills to improve their employability’’ Dr. Biyinzika said.

She disclosed that on 8th March 2023, President Kaguta Museveni launched a USD217m (about Shs 816b) Project for women with the major focus being on ICT and communication as a key sector which is male dominated, adding that the project will support more women to join the sector so that they can upgrade and set up small enterprises

Some of the Journalists who were appreciated and awarded in different categories include Esther Wamala, Catherine Ageno, Doreen Ndeezi, Hajjat Rehema Ndagire, Carol Beyanga, Sheila kawamara (deceased), Gloria Laker Aciiro Adiiki, Catherine Apalat, Madam Margaret Sentamu, Ritah Kemigisa, Faridah Nakazibwe to mention but few.

Sarah Kagingo, the Chief Executive Officer of Soft Power News said, “The inequalities women in the media today face, are the same other women face in different spaces in the country”,

She therefore encouraged women most especially those in media to tap into their entrepreneurial side and make use of social media adding that there are women out there who have grown their businesses by utilizing it. 

On the issue of salary, Kagingo says, Journalists are among the category of people who earn less and this is worsened when it comes to women.

Margaret Sentamu , the Executive Director of Uganda Media Women’s Association says the violation of journalists especially women journalists in the media today sometimes is geared  by some people who chase after their selfish interests and should be brought to account of law

Sentamu advised Government to change some of its laws and not to over regulate and violate the media rights and freedom which is provided in article 31{1] and 32 of Uganda constitution In the some way, Susan Ngongi Namondo; the UN Resident Coordinator in Uganda, tipped female Journalists always to use the power of media to shape ideas that can better their lives