By Akunyo Deborah

Kampala International University's (KIU) Mass Communication and Journalism students have made a sweeping victory at the 2024 Media Challenge Awards, taking home seven prestigious awards. The students demonstrated their excellence in various categories, solidifying KIU's reputation as a hub for talented and skilled media professionals.

Awards won by KIU students

- Overall Best English Producer: Ashiraf Kanunu

- Best Luganda Live Reporter: David Muwereza

- Best English Live Reporter: Jacob Junior Munghesi

- Best English News Anchor: Keneth Rubatsimbira

- Best Feature Story: Eunice Nangobi

- Overall Best News Bulletin in Luganda: KIU Team

- Overall Best News Bulletin in English: KIU Team

In recognition of their exceptional accomplishments, the team also received a 55'' TV screen from Advantage Pearl Media.

A Testament to Hard Work and Dedication

Dr. Joel Isabirye, Head of KIU's Journalism and Media Studies Department, expressed immense pride in his students' achievement. "Their victory is a testament to their talent, hard work, and nurturing by our department, our college, and the university at large," he said.

Dr. Isabirye also thanked the KIU administration for their unwavering support. "We thank our Chairman Board of Trustees, Al Hajji Dr. Hassan Basajjabalaba, Our Distinguished Vice Chancellor Prof. Mohammed Ngoma, our Campus Administrator Ms. Christine Ainebyoona, and the entire university management for their support," he added.

Students Share Their Joy and Aspirations

Eunice Nangobi, a third-year student who merged best in the Essay Feature category could not hide her rapturous feeling about the accolade.

“I am so happy and full of joy about this accolade that has been awarded to me. This comes as an assurance of my efforts and passion in writing and how far I can reach with the latter. It’s both a recognition and inspiration for me to continue doing more in journalism.” Said Nangobi.

“I plan on continuing to write more and more impactful stories; to use journalism to define we as Africans.” She added.

Ashraf Kanunu, who won the Best English Producer award, was overjoyed. "Winning this award is a sign that I actually took the right direction in my career," he said.

Jacob Junior Munghesi, the Best English Live Reporter, saw this award as a stepping stone to greater heights. "I plan to focus on further developing my reporting techniques, exploring new media platforms, and contributing to meaningful stories that impact society," he said.

David Muwereza, a first-year student who won the Best Luganda Live Reporter award, was overwhelmed with excitement. "I now believe the sky is not the limit. I can achieve more if I keep believing in myself and work hard," he said.

KIU’s Consistent Success

This victory marks KIU's continuous victory in various categories in the Media Challenge Initiative competitions. In 2023 KIU emerged as the best Englsh news team. In 2022, the university also claimed victory in eight distinct categories, standing out as the overall winner of the National Newsroom Contest.

The National Newsroom Contest is an Inter-University Media Challenge (IMC) program organized by Media Challenge Initiative, a non-profit that aims to empower media personnel with practical skills and inspire the production of life-changing content.