Museveni Wants Gov’t-Owned Journalism Institute

By Wesley Spartan

President Museveni has revealed that government should set up a journalism school in Uganda to boost the skills of aspiring member of the press, Rwenzori Times report.
“To enhance professional journalism and media reportage, Government should put in place an institute for training journalists beyond the university courses, particularly in investigative and financial reporting and to practice responsible journalism,” said Museveni on Saturday.
Museveni made the remarks during the 23rd Summit of the African Peer Review Forum in Johannesburg, South Africa.
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There have been concerns about the quality of journalism in Uganda, with many complaining it’s far below international standards.
The African Centre for Media Excellence (ACME) has since taken the lead in empowering members of the press with practical skills to practice professional journalism.
Museveni said, “As of now, somebody just declares himself a journalist and starts writing without any skills.”
President Museveni did not give more details on the project.
However, informed sources say the idea of government putting in place a journalism school was raised in cabinet recently.
This followed complaints by government officials and tourism industry stakeholders that negative reporting was gradually destroying the country’s reputation.