Gulu- The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has successfully concluded a regional engagement with journalists from across Northern Uganda, aimed at strengthening media capacity in conservation reporting and fostering long-term collaboration between the media and conservation institutions.
The session, held on mid week at Gulu City Hall, brought together reporters from Gulu, Oyam, Nwoya, Pakwach, Kitgum and Omoro, representing media houses including Elephant Media, Speak FM, Radio Rupiny, Wao Luo TV, Vision Group and the Albertine Journal.
Opening the engagement, UWA’s Assistant Commissioner for Communications, Bashir Hangi, underscored the indispensable role of the media in advancing conservation efforts.
“The challenges of wildlife protection are real and ever-changing,” Hangi said. “We rely on journalists to tell factual, balanced stories that help the public understand why conservation matters.”
He delivered an overview of UWA’s mandate and outlined the objectives of the engagement: building capacity for compelling conservation storytelling, strengthening journalists’ understanding of emerging conservation threats, and encouraging sustained partnerships between UWA and media practitioners.
Veteran environmental journalist Gerald Tenywa of New Vision facilitated a practical session on effective conservation reporting, drawing on his decades of field experience.
“Conservation journalism is not just about reporting conflict,” Tenywa told participants. “It is about helping people appreciate the value of nature, wildlife and the environment on which we depend.” He further advised journalists to uphold professional ethics and resist corruption, warning: “Do not sell your soul over a one-time pocket change.”
Later, Chief Warden Richard Muhabwe of the Kidepo Valley Conservation Area highlighted conservation priorities in the region, including ongoing efforts to combat poaching, manage human–wildlife conflict, and curb habitat degradation.
“We are taking decisive steps to protect wildlife, but communities and the media must be part of the solution,” Muhabwe noted.
Representing the Chief Warden of the Murchison Falls Conservation Area (MFCA), Warden for Law Enforcement, Turyatemba Movadi, briefed journalists on conservation activities in the area and stressed the importance of accurate and responsible reporting.
“When the media communicates accurately, it helps us mobilise public support and counter misinformation,” Movadi said.
Participants welcomed the initiative and called for increased field exposure to deepen their understanding of conservation issues and realities on the ground.
“This training has opened our eyes to the depth of conservation challenges,” said Nancy Akena of Speak FM. “We look forward to continued collaboration so that we can report better and influence positive change.”
The engagement closed with a commitment to establish a regional network of conservation journalists to enable knowledge sharing and sustained collaboration among UWA, the media, and other conservation partners.
“This is the beginning, not the end,” Hangi concluded. “We expect you to carry this knowledge into your reporting and remain our partners in safeguarding Uganda’s natural heritage.”
UWA announced that similar initiatives will be rolled out in other regions as part of efforts to expand a nationwide conservation media network.
