I want to thank the government for always inviting other key developmental actors for orientation at the National Leadership Institute in Kyankwanzi. This institute should not be interpreted as a place where people are brainwashed to support the government, but as an institution where any true person who loves Uganda should go and learn.
I urge our mighty leader, Gen Muhoozi, journalists have been left out of this learning. I wish that one day you will open your mind and heart and call journalists for either a three-day or one-week retreat where they can learn to appreciate where our country has come from.
I thank H.E. the President of Uganda, Rt Gen Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, for inviting some selected journalists to tour projects of successful farmers, including visiting his farm. However, I wish that this time they can also go and learn in Kyankwanzi.
Journalists also play a key role as far as development is concerned; that is why they are called the fourth estate. Leaving them behind without taking them through the trainings that other key actors receive in Kyankwanzi means they may not report stories responsibly.
Uganda has achieved a lot of developmental progress which other countries may not see, and it can only be highlighted through positive journalism and love for the country.
Afande Muhoozi, most journalists are youth, and many of your followers are also youth who have placed their hopes in you as their leader. I would kindly request you to receive this in a positive way and support journalists’ training at this institute.
Lack of this training is one of the main causes of clashes between government agencies, security forces, and members of the media. Taking journalists through such training does not mean they are being compromised, but rather helps to equip them with more knowledge as they continue writing their stories.
The writer is a senior veteran journalist.
