By Najib Mulema
A health and business reporter for online news portal Watchdog Uganda has been nominated in the second edition of the Uganda Wash Media Awards.
Martha Namugerwa’s article “People with albinism find it twice hard to access safe water” which ran on Augist 17, 2017 was nominated in the online category alongside; Ronald Mugabe and Francis Emorut. Online is one of the six categories the water, sanitation and hygiene sector recognises among media segments that promote the wash agenda in Uganda.
Watchdog Uganda publisher Mr Mike Ssegawa congratulated Ms Namugerwa saying, “our platform prides in offering content that inspires country to make their country uganda better for all kinds of people.” He wished Namugerwa success all the way to this year’s awarding gala to be held on 20th October, 2017 at Sheraton Hotel Kampala.
The WASH media awards vetting committee on Tuesday morning announced the shortlist of nominees for the forthcoming second edition of the awards.
While addressing the press at the Uganda Water and Sanitation Network (UWASNET) offices in Kampala, Rehema Aanyu, the Liason and Network Officer at UWASNET revealed that the awards were placed under six categories and each category has three top nominees as vetted by the panel of distinguished judges.
Ms Aanyu said winners in all the six categories will receive a cash prize of shs2.5 million, a certificate of recognition plus other endowments.
Ms Lydia Mirembe, the Communications and Knowledge Management Advisor at International Water and Sanitation Centre (IRC) said the essence for the awards is recognize the input and importance of the media in promoting coverage of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene(WASH) issues.
“We initiated these awards so that we increase the motivation and recognition in advocacy by the media that promote coverage of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene issues,” said Mirembe
“Our involvement with media is not all about awards but we also work closely with them through giving them access to useful information as far as water, sanitation and hygiene are concerned so the recognition is just an appreciation for their efforts throughout the year,” she added.
On the other hand, Amref Program Manager Mukasa Hajara indicated that they are celebrating the media for their uptake in influencing Water, Sanitation and Hygiene thus calling upon all players to use their respective fields to improve the WASH sector.
The Uganda WASH Media Awards first edition took place in 2016 and it was established by the Ministry of Water and Environment together with partners to reward excellent reporting on Water, Sanitation and Hygiene.
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