On Saturday, July 26, 2025, Multimedia journalist Kungu Al-Mahadi Adam will graduate with a Master of Science in Mass Communication from Kampala International University’s (KIU) Western Campus in Ishaka, Bushenyi District.
The ceremony, marking KIU’s 25th anniversary, will celebrate thousands of graduands in a historic moment for the university community.
Kungu, a 33-year-old journalist renowned for his coverage of African affairs, particularly in the Horn of Africa, successfully defended his master’s thesis on international media propaganda and news coverage of Ethiopia’s Tigray conflict.
His academic journey, which began in April 2023, underscores his dedication to promoting balanced and truthful journalism in conflict zones.
“I’m thrilled to graduate from KIU during its 25th anniversary,” Adam said. “My thesis was driven by a desire to challenge biased media narratives that misrepresent African conflicts like the Tigray war. I hope my work encourages authentic storytelling that supports regional stability.”
Kungu’s nearly decade-long media career began in 2016 as a political writer and reporter with Sunrise Newspaper. He later wrote for SoftPower News and Plus News Uganda, focusing on regional issues, before moving to broadcast journalism in 2019 with Top Radio and Television as a political talk show host.
In 2020, he joined BaBa Television and Radio 4, hosting programs like Gangamuka and Hot Cup at 9, which explore Uganda’s political and social landscape. In 2023, Kungu was appointed station manager at Radio 4, shaping content for one of Uganda’s top urban lifestyle stations.
He now works with Next Media, where he hosts leading Luganda political talkshows – Barometer and Eagle on NBS TV. He also hosts Morning Xpress on Sanyuka TV.
His works and focus on the Horn of Africa have taken him to Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia, where he covered conflicts like the Tigray war, advocating for objective journalism.
“Media framing can escalate tensions,” Kungu noted. “I strive to tell African stories with fairness and authenticity.”
Kungu described his master’s journey as both enriching and demanding. “Juggling a hectic media career at Next Media and managing Radio 4 with academic research was challenging,” he said.
“Researching the Tigray conflict meant navigating polarized narratives while maintaining objectivity, which was intellectually and emotionally taxing. KIU’s mentors and peers helped me stay focused.”
His thesis examined how international media often amplified biased narratives, such as portraying the Ethiopian government as the sole aggressor in the Tigray conflict while overlooking the Tigray People’s Liberation Front’s actions.
He joins fellow graduands ready to drive impact, embodying KIU’s mission of fostering innovation and leadership.
“This degree reinforces my commitment to using journalism for positive change in Uganda and Africa at large,” Kungu said. “I’m excited to celebrate with the KIU community.”
The ceremony, blending academic achievement with institutional pride, will attract dignitaries, families, and alumni to KIU’s Western Campus, showcasing the university’s lasting influence on education in Uganda and beyond.
President Yoweri Museveni is expected to be the Chiefs Guest.