Grace Aleper: Media has strengthened women’s businesses and peace building in Moroto

14 May 2026, 12:44 pm

By Byamukama Alozious

Grace Aleper has praised the role of the media in promoting women’s businesses, amplifying women’s voices, and supporting peacebuilding efforts in the Karamoja region.

Speaking during a reflection session following the Gender-Sensitive Reporting and Media for Accountability training conducted by the Uganda Media Women’s Association, Grace said media platforms have intentionally supported women entrepreneurs by giving visibility to their work and connecting them to opportunities.

“Most times, media practitioners have looked for us instead of us going to the media houses. They come to our businesses looking for women entrepreneurs so they can tell our stories,” she said.

Grace noted that media exposure has helped many women in business gain customers, build confidence, and access information on economic opportunities.

“Through media, we got to know there was a GROW loan to support women in business. Many women were able to access that information because it was aired on radio,” she explained.

She further said the media had connected women entrepreneurs to organisations offering business training and registration support, reducing costs for some women-owned enterprises and helping them grow.

Beyond business, Grace said the media has also played a major role in peacebuilding and in ensuring that women affected by insecurity are not forgotten.

“Most women have been involved in peacebuilding in our area. Before, people focused more on men because of raids and insecurity, but now women are also being recognised and involved,” she said.

She explained that the media has helped highlight the experiences of women who lost husbands and family members due to cattle raids and insecurity in Karamoja.

“Women who lost their husbands through raids are now being reached so they can share their stories. Some of their children are supported, and their experiences are used to encourage other women,” Grace added.

She said the continued involvement of the media in highlighting women’s experiences, businesses, and community struggles has strengthened women’s participation in both economic development and peacebuilding across Moroto and the wider Karamoja region.