Journalists who are currently undertaking a one-week symposium at Kyambogo University have been urged to embrace professionalism in their work.
The call was made by Paul Odauk, the Deputy Principal of the National Farmers’ Leadership Center Kampiringisa in Mpigi district, while he was delivering a lecture on understanding reality to the journalists on Wednesday.
He encouraged journalists to do research and be informed before reporting on a particular issue.
Odauk advised journalists to ensure objectivity as opposed to subjectivity, understanding concrete historical history of Uganda, and base their reporting on evidence.
“Almost all people in the country are religious, so if we’re religious who is the thief? Journalists need to arrive at the truth when informing the public because what is reported determines their/the reader’s thinking (mindset),” Odauk said.
According to him, journalists must ensure factual reporting, other than assumptions and hearsay.
“Journalism doesn’t work on assumptions and hearsay; it’s about facts or content.Journalists are supposed to be informed and not base their reporting on assumptions,” Odauk said.
He urged journalsists against generalizing things that are individual, and individualising things that are general because it leads to misinformation.
Odauk cautioned the journalists against extortion, bribery, and other acts of misconduct, saying it’s the reason the profession is tainted, and advised them to adhere to universal principles when analysing issues to report on.
During the lecture, Odauk took the journalists through the post-independence history of Uganda, analytical thinking, and how to understand the society.
He added that journalists need to ensure critical analysis of issues before reporting about them.
On Tuesday, the journalists had a lecture of opportunity by Vice President Maj. (Ret.) Jessica Alupo.
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni is expected to close the one-week symposium.
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