News and Events

IUMACOSA Hosts World Press Freedom Day Celebrations

• 26th May, 2025 4:07pm

By Benjamin Kuloba

The Islamic University in Uganda Mass Communication Students Association (IUMACOSA) held the international World Press Freedom Day Celebrations at the Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU) Main Campus on May 21st under the theme ''Holding the line: The Ugandan journalist's struggle for truth in an Ai driven, politically charged era''

The celebration, which is normally held on May 3rd, observes the global press freedom established by the United Nations every year.

The event served as a platform for established and junior journalists to share insights on the fast-evolving digital landscape, particularly in the Artificial Intelligence (AI) age.

Discussions focused on how media professionals can thrive amidst AI-driven changes in news production and dissemination, drawing participation from media practitioners, university lecturers, students, and political figures.

Representing the Rector, Dr Jamil Sserwanga, the vice Rector in charge of Academics, urged media practitioners to advocate for development communication. "If you are a journalist, a reporter, communication is part of development, if you don't communicate properly people will remain poor" he noted.

Dr Jamil called upon journalists to add value to themselves and enhance innovations in this ever-changing era for continuous professional development.

Ms. Rehema Kantono, IUIU Public Relations Officer, discussed the inevitability of AI integration in journalism, describing it as a powerful personal assistant. However, she advocated for its limited use to preserve and enhance human creativity. “AI is not here to replace journalists,” she said.

Ms. Kantono also highlighted how the physical risks and field brutality faced by journalists are reshaping the industry, making AI a valuable tool in ensuring safety while maintaining coverage standards.

The chief guest, Umar Nangoli a former Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Manafwa and a parliamentary aspirant for Northern City Division in Mbale, emphasized the importance of media ethics amidst rapid technological advancement. “we are very powerful, we can help a nation to grow, we can shape democracy, journalists must uphold core values like truthfulness, objectivity, accuracy, and accountability", he stated.