By our reporter
The second Edition of Uganda Wash Media Awards took place last Friday at Sheraton Hotel Kampala and it was characterized by pomp and glamour.
The highly anticipated event was graced by dignitaries both from the public and private sectors not forgetting media personalities whose interest is high in Water, Sanitation and Hygiene.
The awards were mainly dominated by New Vision journalists who managed to scoop five accolades.
New Vision’s Ronald Mugabe was the man of the night after winning the overall accolade.
The winners in all the six categories received a cash prize of shs1.5million, a certificate of recognition and an accolade whereas the first runners up received a cash prize of shs500,000 plus a certificate of recognition. On the other hand the second runners up received a certificate of recognition.
Ms Lydia Mirembe , the Communications and Knowledge Management Advisor at International Water and Sanitation Centre (IRC) who spoke on behalf of the Civil Society Organisations in WASH sector applauded journalists for their endless efforts they invest in covering the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene related issues especially by acting as vehicles through which WASH sector reaches out to thousands of people in the country.
Meanwhile, the panel of judges led by Mr.John Baptist Wasswa during the event explained the criteria they used to come up with the winners.
Mr. Wasswa said they based on audience engagement, knowledge of WASH, journalistic skills, innovation and other strengths such as affirmative action basing on gender among others.
He said unlike last year, this time round the number of entrants increased both from the city centre and upcountry as well as increment in participation by women.
The Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Water and Sanitation Mr Alfred Okot Okidi who represented the head of the ministry thanked all journalists who took part in the competition adding that the awards are a way of appreciating outstanding media personalities for their excellent work and are aimed at sustaining development and advocacy in the WASH sector.
Full List of Winners:
Online- Ronald Mugabe New Vision
Radio-Javier Silas Omagor Step FM Mbale
TV category- Jamira Mulindwa Spark TV
News Print Human Interest category Ronald Mugabe
Print Investigative John Semakula and Ronald Mugabe
Multimedia Francis Emorut New Vision
Overall Winner Ronald Mugabe New Vision
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