Kamuli, Uganda: Becky’s Child Foundation has recognised journalists in the Busoga sub-region for their contribution to advancing children’s welfare, while urging the media to intensify community mobilisation, public education and advocacy for positive parenting.
The recognition was made during an event held on Friday, August 1, at the offices of the Eastern Media Workers Association (EMWA) in Kamuli Municipality, where media practitioners were commended for using journalism to influence positive social change and protect children’s rights.
Speaking through the Foundation’s Manager, Diana Mugabi, the Director of Becky’s Child Foundation, Rebecca Alitwala Mubeezi, said the media has evolved beyond its traditional watchdog role to become a powerful force for child advocacy and social transformation.
“The media has become lead champions of children’s rights and welfare, not only as advocates but also as influencers. We join in to recognize, acknowledge and applaud them for creating positive transformation, perception, and inspiration for children who have been affected by negative social norms, abscondment from parenting roles, and overexposure to social media,” Mubeezi said.
She urged journalists to remain the voice, ears and eyes of communities by highlighting issues affecting vulnerable children and promoting responsible parenting.
Among those recognised was veteran journalist Opio Sam Caleb, who received the Children’s Legendary Uncle award in recognition of his longstanding advocacy for children’s rights and protection.
Receiving the honour, Opio described the award as a reminder of the media’s responsibility to keep children’s issues at the forefront of public discourse.
“Children are often a forgotten constituency. As the Bible says, they belong to heaven, and on earth they are called the leaders of tomorrow. But their tomorrow must start today. We must put children first, and put a smile and hope in them through quality time, communication, and inspiration,” he said.
Greater Kamuli Media Association Chairperson Charles Galimaka applauded Becky’s Child Foundation for extending its interventions to underserved communities, including Kasongoire Fishing Village in Buyende District.
He said the partnership between the media and the Foundation has demonstrated the power of journalism in addressing social challenges beyond traditional news reporting.
“The media rarely gets noticed, but we believe in always doing good and serving the community with commitment and children with passion. That is why we have moved from the traditional journalism school of ‘when a dog bites a man’ to community journalism,” Galimaka said.
He added that the Foundation’s programmes have inspired communities, restored hope and improved the lives of vulnerable children, adolescents and women across the region.
Becky’s Child Foundation currently supports more than 500 vulnerable children by facilitating access to education, healthcare and mentorship programmes.
The organisation also empowers girls and women through skills development initiatives aimed at breaking the cycle of poverty while conducting community outreach programmes to raise awareness about kidney disease prevention and broader community development.
Participants at the event called for stronger collaboration between civil society organisations, government institutions and the media to ensure children’s rights and welfare remain a national priority.
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