By Namuddu Patience
Kampala: Efforts to improve the welfare and economic stability of journalists gained momentum after the Manager of the Office of the National Chairman (ONC), Hajjat Hadijah Namyalo, hosted a delegation from the Uganda Journalists Union (UJU) at the ONC offices in Kyambogo, where discussions focused on strengthening financial support systems for media practitioners.
The delegation of journalists paid a courtesy visit to Namyalo to brief her on the challenges they face in the course of their work and to explore possible avenues through which their livelihoods could be strengthened.
During the engagement, the journalists explained that under the umbrella of the Uganda Journalists Union, they are working to organize themselves in a more structured manner to uplift the standards of living within the profession. They noted that many media practitioners face financial hardships despite playing a critical role in informing and educating the public.
As part of their efforts to improve economic stability among members, the delegation informed Namyalo that they had established a Savings and Credit Cooperative Organization (SACCO). The SACCO, they said, is intended to provide journalists with access to financial support, savings opportunities, and other economic benefits aimed at promoting financial independence within the profession.
The journalists therefore appealed to the ONC for empowerment support that could strengthen the SACCO and enable members to access financial opportunities capable of improving their welfare.
In response, Namyalo welcomed the initiative and described it as a progressive step toward addressing the economic challenges faced by journalists. She commended the media fraternity for taking the initiative to organize themselves through a SACCO, noting that such structures can significantly contribute to financial stability and professional growth.
Namyalo pledged her commitment to supporting the request, explaining that the matter would be addressed after the ongoing holy month of Ramadan.
She further revealed that she would present the journalists’ appeal to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, whom she described as the “grandfather of the Bazzukulu,” expressing optimism that the President would positively consider their request.
According to Namyalo, journalists play an important role in national development by disseminating information, promoting government programs, and raising public awareness on key national issues.
“Journalists are essential partners in development because they help bridge the gap between government and the people by informing the public about policies and programs that drive social and economic transformation,” she noted.
The ONC manager emphasized the importance of collaboration between government institutions and the media fraternity, adding that empowering journalists can contribute to a more informed and engaged society.
In turn, the journalists commended Namyalo for her humility, dedication, and commitment to engaging communities at the grassroots level.
They praised her leadership style, describing her as a government official who remains accessible to ordinary citizens and attentive to the concerns of the common wananchi.
Members of the delegation also acknowledged Namyalo’s continued efforts in mobilizing and empowering different groups across the country through initiatives coordinated by the Office of the National Chairman.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to strengthen collaboration between the media fraternity and government institutions, with both parties expressing optimism that such partnerships can contribute to improving the welfare of journalists while advancing national development goals.