Woman leader for Pwds in Moroto struggling to use media due to backlash

21 November 2024, 11:10 pm

Byamukama ALozious

Nakalany Betty, a leader for persons with disabilities (PWDs) in North Division, Moroto Municipality, has opened up about her challenges with media reporting. As a politician with over 15 years of experience, she believes the media can be a powerful ally in amplifying marginalized voices but insists that accountability and accuracy are critical. 

“I entered politics in 2011,” Betty shared. “I was known in my community as someone who could advocate for persons with disabilities. I’ve worked hard to ensure our issues are heard, but the media hasn’t always supported us the way they should.” Betty disclosed the existing concerns during the interactive meeting between Women Politicians and Journalists organized by Uganda media women’s association in partnership with Uganda radio network and Editors guild and Africa center for media excellence under M space project supported by Danish Embassy

Betty noted how media misquotations have affected her advocacy work. She cited an incident where she stood up for a woman in a community conflict involving a pastor accused of wrongdoing. “I spoke to the media about the issue, introduced myself clearly, and explained everything. But later, I heard my name all over the radio, and they had distorted the story. Instead of focusing on the rights of the woman, they sensationalized the matter. This caused unnecessary tension,” she recounted. 

Her frustration extends to the lack of direct engagement from journalists. “Most of my disabilities have fear, and we face challenges in reaching them due to transport issues,” she explained. “In my community, we meet every Tuesday. If journalists could visit us at least twice a month, they would understand our challenges better and report accurately.” 

Despite these setbacks, Betty acknowledged the positive aspects of media. “The media is good because it spreads information quickly, but they must stop adding ‘salt’ to our words,” she emphasized. 

She believes joint monitoring and regular discussions between journalists and community leaders could bridge the gap. “We need to meet with the media, hold focal discussions, and conduct joint monitoring. This way, they can understand how far we, as leaders, can go in addressing our issues,” she said. 

Betty concluded by urging the media to prioritize truthful reporting. “When I share my views, it’s to help the community, but when words are twisted, it backfires. We need the media to amplify our voices responsibly so that they represent us accurately and positively,” she added.  Her story underscores the critical need for improved media-community relations, particularly in marginalized regions like Moroto Municipality, Moroto District

On a positive note after the engagement both journalists and the leader agreed to work together after UMWA giving them skills to ensure there is working relations to bright public accountability agendas