Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) held the second edition of the Uganda Conservation Media Awards on Wednesday, recognizing journalists from media houses across the country who have excelled in conservation reporting.
Launched in 2023, the Conservation Media Awards seek to promote conservation reporting across all forms of media.
The awards feature four categories; Community conservation, Wildlife protection, Wildlife crime, Habitats and environment with each category receiving separate awards for media groups including Print and or Online, Radio and TV. A separate award is also given for the Uganda Wildlife Photograph of the Year.
Giving his remarks at the awarding ceremony, Minister of State for Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities Hon. Martin Mugarra Bahinduka commended the initiative noting that rewarding conservation reporters will go a long way in encouraging them to give more coverage to this often-sidelined beat.
“Conservation is not a beat that many media houses give attention. I am also aware that it’s one thing for a reporter to cover a conservation story and the editor publishing it or giving it a pass is a whole other story. So, I want to thank all the participants for dedicating time and resources to this cause,” Hon. Mugarra said.
He noted that media coverage of the sector is very crucial in creating awareness on the benefits of conservation as well as unearthing the evils done by people who don’t understand the matter, and bridging the communication gap between local communities and the authorities in wildlife protection.
“There is a very big threat against conservation. It is very difficult to convince a human being as to why you can’t allow them to degazette part of the park and cultivate food because you want animals to eat. It just doesn’t make sense to many people. It is therefore important that you people are out there being advocates for wildlife protection and conservation,” he added.
According to UWA Communications Manager Bashir Hangi, the entries received this year indicated growth as regards the quality and intentionality of the stories covered in areas of community-driven conservation interventions, human-wildlife conflict and poaching among others.
“The work of journalists in shaping public opinion and prompting action is very critical. I am also glad to note that the level of competition this year was extremely high, meaning more journalists are engaging deeply with conservation issues,” Hangi said.
In addition to rewarding the 13 winners in the various categories, UWA also awarded certificates of recognition to participants whose stories stood out.
Speaking at the ceremony, WildAid East Africa Representative Maz Robertson noted that over 100 applications were received and the quality of stories has improved significantly.
“The power of media to influence behaviour, inspire people to take action, and spread awareness is limitless. As we move forward, let us continue to harness this power. Let us keep telling stories that matter, stories that will ensure that future generations inherit a world as rich and biodiverse as the one we enjoy today,” Robertson said.
WildAid has partnered with UWA, right from inception, to make the awards a success.
Important to note is the excellence exhibited by journalists from Northern Uganda who claimed 5 awards of the 13. Among these, Chowoo Willy, who also bagged an award in the inaugural edition, reigned supreme even in the 2024 cluster, securing an accolade in the same category – Habitats and Environment (Radio).
Winners received a cash award of 5,000,000 Uganda shillings, a plaque, and free entry to Uganda’s national parks for one year.
PrimeNews is also happy to note that our Editorial Director Patience Natukunda’s conservation reporting efforts didn’t go unnoticed. Her story ‘Inside UWA’s Conservation Strategies for Mt. Elgon National Park’ garnered commendation in the Wildlife Protection category – print/online.
Here is the list of all the winners;
- Wildlife Photograph of the Year: Raymond Kagumire – “Snared hartebeest”
- Wildlife Protection (Print/Online): Julius Luwemba – “Sgt. Adong drops gun after 35 years of protecting wildlife” (New Vision)
- Wildlife Protection (Radio): Victor Andama – “Reintroduction of white rhinos back to East Madi Wildlife Reserve” (Voice of Madi FM)
- Community Conservation (Print/Online): Okello Jesus Ojara and Dramadri Frederick – “How passionate community members rescued abandoned Ajai Wildlife Reserve” (TND News Uganda)
- Community Conservation (Radio): Wambi Michael – “Waking to the call of the elephant in Uganda” (Uganda Radio Network)
- Community Conservation (TV/Video): Immaculate Amony and Eddy Olwa – “Community action for human-wildlife conflict” (UBC TV)
- Wildlife Crime (Print/Online): Ronald Musoke – “Greatest elephant, pangolin massacre” (The Independent)
- Wildlife Crime (Radio): Benjamin Jumbe – “Kamasanyu the wildlife advocate” (KFM)
- Habitats & Environment (Print/Online): Richard Drasimaku – “The quest for reintroduction of white rhinos in Ajai Wildlife Reserve” (West Nile News)
- Habitats & Environment (Radio): Chowoo Willy – “Whispers in the wilderness” (Choice FM)
- Habitats & Environment (TV/Video): Akiza Eli and Andrew Tushabe – “How climate change has affected birds in Lake Mburo National Park” (TV West/Vision Group)