UMCAT School of Journalism and Mass Communication on Friday 10th/ 12/2021 held its 13th graduation ceremony in a function that also doubled as the institute’s 25th anniversary where over 250 walked away with diplomas and certificates in different disciplines.
The glamorous event run under the Theme, “Celebrating 25 years of media empowerment and transformation.
Steered by Hon. Kyofatogabye Kabuye, Minister of State for Kampala and Metropolitan Affairs graduants were urged not to give up on their dreams, while narrating how he lost his father when he was just in senior three.
“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.” Kyofatogabye said.
He also implored the newly Coffered members of the fourth estate to practice and promote responsible journalism that can stir national development.
During the institute’s 13th graduation ceremony, four Diploma graduands walked away with first class and these include Abedican Godwin, Metro FM’s Kayitesi Winnie, Oonyu Ben and Capital FM’s Namutebi Phiona.
Kagimu Edgar David, the Institute’s outgoing Guild President revealed how the entire Journey has been easy but achieved out of hardwork and perseverance.
Director Mr. Charles Ogwel implored to the grandaunts to specialize in 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”, Mr. 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 further appealed to 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.
He adds that UMCAT is to introduce a department of medical journalism to embrace the specialized journalism in addition to other courses including Business training, social administration, project management among others which he says are accredited by National Council for Higher Education.
“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,” he said.
UMCAT School of Journalism, Mass Communication, and Business Studies was established in 1996 with the aim of providing progressive and highly relevant professional training and education in Journalism, Multimedia Communication and Business Management.
UMCAT is registered by the Ministry of Education and Sports NO.PSV/U/13 and accredited by the National Council for Higher Education (TI. OO43).
“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. 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.” Said UMCAT Principal, Joseph Elunya.
