Nominations open for Uganda National Journalism Awards

This landmark event marks a decade of recognising and celebrating outstanding journalistic contributions within the Ugandan media landscape. Journalists and media organisations and platforms across the nation are invited to submit their entries and participate in this historic 10th anniversary edition of the awards.

Categories

• Institutional-Based Categories   
  • The institutional awards will be given to media houses, not individual journalists or media practitioners. Judging will be based on criteria including, but not limited to:
    • Creativity of an idea
    • Processes and execution
    • Results and impact
    • Sustainability and replication
  • Stanbic Shield of Journalism award
    • The Stanbic Shield of Journalism Award is dedicated to recognising and honouring legacy and digital media institutions and platforms that exemplify the highest standards of journalism, embodying principles of fairness, balance, humanity, and accuracy in their reporting. This award celebrates media organisations and platforms that consistently uphold ethical standards and demonstrate a commitment to providing accurate, unbiased, constructive and comprehensive coverage of news and current affairs.
  • Newsroom and editorial transformation award
    • The Newsroom and Editorial Transformation Award aims to highlight and commend outstanding initiatives within newsrooms or editorial operations that have demonstrated measurable impact through transformational processes across both content and business units. This category places emphasis on various aspects of transformation, including but not limited to: cross-functional collaboration; organisational design enhancements; establishment of process standards and efficiency measures; implementation of gender-responsive and safeguarding policies to foster inclusivity and safety; development and provision of incentives to motivate and reward innovation; effective change management strategies to navigate transitions smoothly; talent management practices to attract and retain skilled professionals; and adoption of process automation technologies to streamline operations.
    • Two awards will be given based on the size of the participating news organisation/outlet or media platform:
      • Small to medium size: fewer than 20 full-time news/editorial staff
      • Large size: 20 or more full-time news/editorial staff
  • Digital innovation award
    • The Digital Innovation Award recognises news organisations that maximise the use of digital and social media tools and platforms to serve their audiences and fulfil their editorial missions. The award will be given to newsrooms or news/current affairs outlets based on their proven digital strategy, use of digital and social media to inform and engage audiences, user experience, and overall quality of journalism published on the digital platforms of a media house or news and current affairs outlet.
    • Two awards will be given based on the size of the participating news organisation/outlet or media platform:
      • Small to medium size: fewer than 20 full-time news/editorial staff
      • Large size: 20 or more full-time news/editorial staff
• Subject-Based Categories
  • Subject-based awards recognise individuals or teams of journalists/media practitioners for a body of work produced or broadcast between 1 January and 31 December 2023. Here, a body of work relates to a collection of a minimum of three (3) and a maximum of five (5) pieces that may include:
    • Related pieces or series showcasing in-depth coverage of a single topic
    • Unrelated pieces on a variety of topics within the same category, that display reporting versatility and consistency.
    • Each piece must meet high standards to ensure a strong overall submission, as quality is crucial and can affect chances of success.
    • Entries will be evaluated based on criteria such as mastery of subject matter and craft of journalism, ethical treatment, and adherence to journalistic standards.
    • Judging will consider factors including topicality, significance, interpretation, analysis, enterprise, accuracy, completeness, clarity, technique, evidence, data, and contextualisation.
  • Entries may be submitted in any format (text, audio, video, photo, data visualisations, illustrations, or multimedia) and any journalistic style (features, investigations, conventional news, explainers, analysis, short docs, reviews, etc.).
  • Agriculture reporting
    • The Agriculture Reporting Award recognises outstanding journalism that illuminates the complexities, challenges, and innovations within the agricultural sector. Submissions are welcome on a wide range of topics, including crop production, livestock management, agricultural policies, sustainable practices, and the impact of climate change on farming communities. Broader themes of hunger, nutrition and the environment are also considered if they demonstrably connect to agriculture.
  • Arts reporting
    • The Arts Reporting Award celebrates the outstanding efforts of journalists who breathe life into the dynamic realms of the arts and creative expression through their perceptive and captivating reporting. This award honours journalists who cover a wide array of artistic fields, encompassing visual arts, performing arts, literature, film, music, and beyond. Eligible stories may encompass the creative economy, artist profiles, feature pieces, investigative reports, analyses of contemporary cultural structures and explorations of the creative landscape.
  • Business, economy and financial reporting
    • The Business, Economy, and Financial Reporting Award honours outstanding journalism that explores business, economics, and finance with excellence and creativity. Eligible stories may cover a wide range of topics including, but not limited to, environmental, social, and governance (ESG) dimensions of business, financial markets and institutions, consumer financial literacy, financial technology (fintech), the state of the economy, national development agendas, as well as profiles of individuals, companies, and institutions shaping the business, economy, and financial system.
  • Community reporting
    • The Community Reporting Award recognises journalists based outside of Greater Kampala who produce reporting that centres on issues and events vital to their local communities. Entries should demonstrate a clear understanding of local information needs and give voice to the perspectives of those communities. The award particularly values reporting on under-represented topics and amplifying the voices of those who might not otherwise be heard. Eligible entries can be published through traditional media outlets or community reporting initiatives.
  • Education reporting
    • The Education Reporting Award recognises journalism that shines a light on critical issues and innovations in the realm of education. The award will be given to excellent reporting on topics such as educational policies, access to quality education, educational inequalities, teaching methodologies and learning outcomes, advancements in educational technology, and the impact of education on individuals and communities.
  • Energy and natural resources reporting
    • The Energy and Natural Resources Reporting Award honours journalism that demonstrates excellence in uncovering and explaining the complexities, challenges and impacts associated with energy production, distribution, and the extraction of petroleum and minerals. It celebrates journalists who go beyond the surface to investigate issues such as energy policies, renewable energy innovations, fossil fuel extraction, environmental sustainability, social and economic impacts, and governance and transparency. The subject may be on any form of energy – petroleum, nuclear, water, solar, etc. – or mineral resources.
  • Environmental reporting
    • The Environmental Reporting Award recognises journalists that, through their reporting, raise awareness about environmental issues and promote sustainable practice. The award will be given for exceptional reporting on topics such as climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, conservation efforts and environmental policies.
  • Health reporting
    • The Health Reporting Award will be given for distinguished reporting and writing on a wide range of issues including, but not limited to, public health, medical research, the business of health care, disease and health ethics, health infrastructure and systems, health-related social and behaviour change, and human capital.
  • Justice, law and order reporting
    • The Justice,Law and Order Reporting Award honours the exceptional work of journalists who report on the intricate aspects of justice, law, and order with professionalism, accuracy, and a commitment to truth. The reporting shows an in-depth knowledge of issues such as civil justice and criminal justice, human rights and the rule of law, police, prisons, the judiciary and law enforcement in general. The award-winning journalist will go beyond the sector statistics and tell the story of the affected persons.
  • Opinion and editorial commentary
    • The Opinion and Editorial Commentary Award welcomes submissions from both journalists and non-journalists who regularly or periodically write or produce commentary and opinions that shed light on public affairs (at national, regional, and global levels), news issues, and socially significant matters. Opinion and commentary in the context of news media refer to expressions of personal viewpoints, interpretations, or analyses on public affairs, news topics, and socially significant issues. These can be presented through various formats such as articles, segments, videos, podcasts, or visual content, offering perspectives that contribute to public discourse and debate.
  • Political reporting
    • The Political Reporting Award shines a light on journalism that brings clarity and transparency to the often-complex world of politics. They seek entries that demonstrate excellence in political reporting, characterised by integrity, objectivity, and an unwavering commitment to informing the public. This includes political events, government policies, political systems, and the impact of political decisions on society at all levels, from local municipalities to national issues.
  • Public accountability reporting
    • The Public Accountability Reporting Award recognises journalism that critically examines and enhances the understanding of public accountability mechanisms and issues in Uganda. This category celebrates reporting that sheds light on both governmental and citizen-focused accountability systems, scrutinises accountability mechanisms at various levels of governance, and utilises data to unearth and analyse accountability issues. Entries may include investigative reports on government transparency, analysis of anti-corruption measures, examination of accountability frameworks, and stories highlighting the impact of accountability – or lack thereof – on communities. Additionally, the award seeks to honour journalism that fosters awareness of citizen-led initiatives promoting accountability, addresses challenges in accountability systems, and contributes to a more informed and engaged public.
  • Public works and infrastructure reporting
    • ThePublic Works and Infrastructure Award recognises exemplary journalism that sheds light on Uganda’s significant investments in public works and infrastructure development, acknowledging that this sector represents one of the largest budget spends in the country. This category celebrates insightful reporting that covers a wide range of topics related to infrastructure projects, construction initiatives, and public works programmes aimed at enhancing the nation’s physical infrastructure.
  • Religion reporting
    • The Religion Reporting Award recognises outstanding journalism that delves into the diverse religious beliefs, practices, and issues in Uganda. This category celebrates insightful reporting that promotes understanding, tolerance, and dialogue among religious communities, while also highlighting religion’s influence on societal norms, values, and policies.
  • Science and technology reporting
    • The Science and Technology Reporting Award will be given to journalists who excel in reporting on scientific advancements and technological innovations, and their impact on society. It celebrates journalists who effectively communicate complex scientific concepts, discoveries and breakthroughs to the public in a way that is accurate, engaging and accessible.
  • Sports reporting
    • The Sports Reporting Award recognises exceptional journalism that showcases the dynamic world of sports with insight, integrity, and creativity. This category celebrates journalists who excel in covering a wide range of sports-related topics including, but not limited to, game analysis, athlete profiles, sports industry trends, and the intersection of sports with social issues.
  • Traditions and culture reporting
    • The Traditions and Culture Reporting Award seeks to honour exceptional journalism that delves into the vibrant tapestry of traditions and cultural heritage that defines Uganda. Entries in this category explore, celebrate, and interrogate the diverse customs, practices, and identities shaping Ugandan communities, past and present.
  • Urbanisation and human settlements reporting
    • The Urbanisation and Human Settlements Award seeks out outstanding journalism that delves into the complexities of urbanisation and human settlements in Uganda. Entries should demonstrate exceptional reporting on a range of topics related to urban development including, but not limited to: housing, infrastructure, spatial inequalities, informal settlements, urban governance and planning, sustainable cities, urbanisation and social dynamics, power and politics, quality of life in urban settings, access to services or service delivery, and community-driven initiatives.

What is new this year?

• This year’s edition introduces a new chapter with several noteworthy changes:
  • Shifting focus to sustained excellence: This year, the Awards will recognise journalists based on their overall body of work and its impact, rather than solely focusing on single entries. Journalists will submit at least three (3) and up to five (5) pieces per category, showcasing their thematic expertise and consistent quality within their chosen area of focus.
  • New awards categories: Expanding the award categories to include Religion Reporting, and Traditions and Culture Reporting recognises the significance of these themes in Uganda’s narrative. The Sports Reporting Award also makes a return. Additionally, the award for Urbanisation and Land Reporting has been renamed Urbanisation and Human Settlements to reflect a broader focus on the social and developmental aspects of urban growth.
  • Revamped institutional awards: Media organisations and platforms of all sizes and locations are now eligible to compete for the Stanbic Shield of Journalism Award as well as the Newsroom and Editorial Transformation Award and the Digital Innovation Award.

Why participate?

• Gain well-deserved national recognition for your dedication to impactful journalism. Cement your place in Ugandan media history by joining the ranks of esteemed award winners.
• Play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Ugandan media by contributing to high-quality journalism that empowers and informs the nation.
• Benchmark your work against industry standards. Participating in the competition allows you to assess your work against the highest standards in Ugandan journalism. The judging process, conducted by seasoned and respected media professionals, provides valuable feedback that can help you refine your skills and strengthen your craft.
• The competition can reignite your passion for storytelling and push you to explore new avenues within your expertise. Share your best work with a wider audience. Participating in the awards can create a sense of pride and accomplishment within your team. Recognition for their hard work can boost morale and motivate staff to continue producing impactful journalism.

Eligibility Criteria

• There is no entry fee.
  • The competition is open to all journalists, whether freelance or full-time, as well as independent content producers working in Uganda.
  • Entries are welcome from anyone producing journalistic content on any platform, online or offline. This means that independent content producers who published journalistic content relevant to the competition are also welcome to submit entries.
  • Submitted work must have been published or broadcast in a Ugandan media outlet or a regional news outlet that is widely accessible in Uganda.
  • There is a total of 21 categories in this competition: 3 institutional-based awards and 18 subject-based awards.
  • All work (for subject-based entries) and strategies (for institutional-based entries, apart from the Stanbic Shield of Journalism category) submitted must have been broadcast, published, or implemented between 1 January and 31 December.
  • Entries for the Uganda National Journalism Awards must be submitted by midnight on 30 April 2024.

For more information, visit ACME.