The Media Challenge Initiative (MCI) on Wednesday November 25, 2020 concluded auditioning students from
different Journalism Institutions in Uganda, for the Ninth Edition of Inter-Institutional Media Challenge (IMC), under the theme; “Keeping Journalism Alive in Times of Uncertainty”.
The IMC is an annual event which brings together students of journalism and those interested in the profession to compete, and showcase talent in news gathering, production and presentation. Winners from the competition are recognized in a glamorous awards event attended by the industry top brass in Uganda.
Exceptional performers are later selected to partake the MCI Fellowship program, in which they are taken through rigorous training in Mobile Journalism, Data Journalism, and Solutions Journalism among other professional aspects, to nurture them fully skilled “one woman/man army” journalists.
Auditions drew participants from Nkumba University, Makerere University, Cavendish University Uganda, Uganda Christian University, Kampala University, Kampala International University, UMCAT School of Journalism, Makerere Business Institute, among others.
Unlike the previous events, the Ninth IMC Edition was held through a unique structuring, in observation of the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to eliminate the usual mass gathering as dictated by the World Health Organization (WHO) to avoid the spread of the Coronavirus disease (Covid-19). Participants applied for auditioning using through the an Online system. The over 100 participants from different institutions received training in Mobile Journalism, Solutions Journalism and Data Journalism through the MCI Online Platform, https://mcialumni.com. After the training, they were given assignments to produce stories which would be showcased at the event before a panel of judges.
A day at the auditions centre, Xanadu Collections in Kampala commenced with breakaway sessions, where participants’ are assigned to category sessions of their stories; including Participatory Radio, Television Features and Essay writing. In these sessions, there pieces are reviewed by judges and fellow participants and constructive criticism offered for future improvement of the contestant. Through this, they were able to construe their own errors and omissions and how.
This is followed by another afternoon news anchoring contest in both Luganda and English where participants are showcase skill in news anchoring before a panel of judges.
Commenting on the auditions, Miriam Ohlsen, DW Akademie’s Africa Programs Director-Uganda – a top partner in MCI’s #NextGenerationJournalist said the IMC 2020 presented a huge opportunity to participants to make progress in their career growth and development despite the havoc caused by the Coronavirus pandemic, which led to the closure of most universities.
“The Media Challenge Initiative will model you into a holistically well-equipped one man or woman army journalist,” Ohlsen told participants, adding that the auditions present “a huge chance to move forward from the auditions and join the fellowship program at one point.”
Inter University Media Challenge Audition Results
Live reporting English Language
Veronica Complex 54
Daniel Kibet 79
Tamale Micheal 66
Waiswa Paul 47
Laker Sharon 61
Live reporting Luganda Language
Tamukedde Moses 83
Moijona Tony 79
Ssembusi Hashim 80
Nakiberu Rebecca 77
Najjita Dorothy 60
News Anchors English Language
Grace Birungi 70
Daniel Kibet 77
Gloria Tulyakunda 53
Etyang Franchesca 64
Abalo Cynthia Ruth 74
Hellen Kabakunda 74
Mutumba Geofrey 57
Ninsiima Melisa 69
Kevin Githuku 83
Christine Awori 57
Nazziwa Shadia 70
Agnes Nalwoga 64
Uwera Sandar 62
Faith Asuku 71
Wambusi Cynthia 76
Joel W 81
Wanjiku Yaddah 93
Nabakka Mary 58
Racheal Atwongeire 54
Joy k 58
Ishaque Nsubuga 83
Apio Laura 74
Akampulirara Elizabeth 78
Idalusi Pajobo 63
Luganda News Anchors
Mutumba Geofrey 63
Sulaiman sebugwawo 88
Atwine Rhonet 82
Nakiberu Rebecca 79
Mugambi Martin 75
Ndagire rashidah 76
Sebulime Richard 63
Noeline Nabukenya 53
Lukanga Timoth 51
Najjingo Miriam 76
Nabweteme Agnes 59
Otaga Hellen 68
Kobusinge patricia 52
