The Minister of State for Kampala and Metropolitan Affairs, Kabuye Kyofatogabye, has urged graduates not to give up on their dreams.
“I know you have friends who gave up and now are regretting, right? In life we hear more nos’ than yes. It was at this time I remember the 28th day of March 2004 when I received my first degree and defeated the spirit of ‘Kugaana’ and from there I have never rested up to now. About two to three years I think of what course do I need, I go for another Masters’, so never give up on your dreams,” Kyofatogabye said.
The minister was officiating at the 13th graduation ceremony of UMCAT School of Journalism and Mass Communication.
The function, also doubled as the institute’s 25th anniversary where over 250 walked away with diplomas and certificates in different disciplines.
Kyofatogabye implored the newly Coffered members of the fourth estate to practice and promote responsible journalism that can stir national development.
The UMCAT Director, Charles Ogwel, implored the grandaunts to specialize in a particular field if they are to change the communities in which they operate.
While emphasizing on the theme of the Day, “Celebrating 25 Years Of Media Empowerment And Transformation”, Ogwel further called upon graduates to avoid general journalism but have a specialized profession if they are to have broader spectrum of opportunities.
He adds that to make the public appreciate an extra-ordinary and unique work, journalists need to distinguish themselves.
“Journalism can change the country because in every economy they need communication. Journalism jobs are becoming increasingly hard because of attitude and mentality. Institutions need to produce specialized journalists to avoid the general journalism and distinguish them from a pool” Ogwel said.
He asked government to create more incentives geared towards boosting the journalism profession through research, new ideas development and engaging journalists in planning for their programmes, which he says will create a profession for development.
Adding, “Apart from legislation and the enabling environment for journalism, government has not given enough support to journalists to boost their profession to contribute to development. Government can create incentives in research, ideas development aimed at enabling journalists to do better.”
“I am happy to note that over 65 percent of Uganda’s professional practicing Journalists in News Papers, Radio and Television stations have been trained by UMCAT and this is the very reason we have been branded the leading as the Journalism Institution in Uganda,” he said.
UMCAT Principal, Joseph Elunya said, “Beyond providing a sound education, we wish to deliver our students a holistic hands on learning experience for life. Our aim is to produce highly skilled and practical Journalists. Hence, we strive to travel beyond the boundaries of mere books.”
Kagimu Edgar David, the Institute’s outgoing Guild President revealed how the entire Journey has been easy but achieved out of hard work and perseverance.