Journalist Munirah Suwed champions accountability reporting in Karamoja

27 March 2025, 9:38 pm

By Byamukama Alozious

During the training for journalists in Moroto, Karamoja region conducted by Uganda Media Women’s Association in collaboration with Editors Guild, African Centre for Media Excellence, and Uganda Radio Network on public affairs reporting and accountability, Journalist Munirah Suwed shared her experiences highlighting the challenges faced by communities in Karamoja.

Suwed, a journalist from Ateker Moroto FM, has dedicated her career to shedding light on the public issues affecting Karamoja, a rural region in northeastern Uganda. Through her work, Suwed aims to hold those in power accountable, particularly when it comes to public health services.

As a journalist based in Moroto, Suwed has witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by communities in Karamoja. Especially living in Moroto mountains, accessing basic services is a daily struggle. Poor roads and limited health facilities make it difficult for people to receive medical care. “The people living in the mountains suffer to get services,” Suwed said, highlighting the need for improved infrastructure and healthcare access.

Suwed’s commitment to accountability journalism has led her to engage with local authorities, including the Chief Administrative Officer of Moroto district. After sharing her concerns, the CAO acknowledged the challenges and promised to allocate a budget to improve the roads accessing these areas.

The training Suwed received from the Uganda Media Women’s Association supported by the Royal Danish embassy has empowered her to effectively report on these issues and ensure that those responsible are held accountable. “With the skills I’ve gained from this training, I’m confident that I can make a difference and promote transparency and accountability in our community,” she said.

Suwed’s story underscores the critical role journalists play in promoting transparency and accountability, particularly in rural communities where access to information is limited. By amplifying the voices of marginalised communities, Suwed and other journalists like her are driving positive change and demanding better services for the people of Karamoja.