Kampala, Uganda: Victoria University (VU) has emerged the best-performing institution at the 2025 National Newsroom Contest after its Journalism and Media Studies students dominated both team and individual award categories.
VU clinched the Best English News Bulletin Team award and finished 1st Runners-Up in the Luganda News Bulletin, outperforming several universities from across the country in the competition organised by the Media Challenge Initiative (MCI).
The University’s strong showing was further highlighted by multiple individual excellence awards, solidifying the institution’s emphasis on hands-on, industry-oriented journalism training.
Individual Awards Won by VU Students
- Best Radio News Anchor: Christine Ntika Namugga
- Best TV News Anchor (Luganda): Rhoda Namusisi
- Best English Fact Checker: Nkwangga Gerald
- 1st Runners-Up, Luganda Fact Checker: Kemigisha Phiona
- 1st Runners-Up, TV Producer: Waako Tonny
- Runners-Up, TV Director: Waako Tonny
University officials said the results reaffirm Victoria University’s commitment to practical learning, newsroom simulation and mentorship aimed at producing job-ready media professionals.
About National Newsroom Contest
The National Newsroom Contest is an annual inter-university competition designed by MCI to nurture practical media skills. Participating teams from over 10 universities across Uganda produce news bulletins, feature pieces and live-style media content under tight deadlines.
In past editions, such as the 2024 contest won by Kampala International University, teams produced nine-minute English and Luganda news bulletins focusing on themes such as the Sustainable Development Goals (e.g., SDG 8 and SDG 16). Judges included senior media practitioners and evaluated students on story selection, production quality, anchoring, editing and teamwork.
For VU, this year’s winning entry drew on their in-house training infrastructure, including a fully operational radio station and a television studio where students had practised bulletins, editing and live-table production.
Why the NNC win matters for Victoria University?
The National Newsroom Content victory positions Victoria University Uganda as a benchmark for journalism training in the country. Benefits that come along with the win include; increased appeal to prospective students seeking hands-on, employable skills, strengthened partnerships with media houses offering internships or placements, and institutional credibility for further investments in equipment, faculty and collaborative programmes.
Moreover, as the Ugandan media landscape shifts towards digital video, mobile reporting and multimedia journalism, graduates with real-broadcast experience become more competitive.
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