Female Journalists Foundation

23/04/2026

17/04/2026

17/04/2026

For some children in Uganda, especially in urban and peri-urban settings, education means waking up as early as 5am to begin the day with a shower and breakfast before dressing for school. Some are privileged to have someone walk them to school, while others are driven.

However, in many rural areas, schooling comes with challenges that test a learner’s determination to show up every day. Some of our team members recall waking up at 6am to complete morning chores such as fetching water or digging, before rushing off to school. Often, they would hastily wash their feet, wear the same unwashed uniform from the previous day, put on their only pair of shoes, and run to class just in time for the first lesson at 8am.

Despite these efforts, some teachers still punish a child who has walked nearly five kilometers to reach school. At the same time, many learners in Primary Five are entering adolescence. At ages 13 to 14, they are already dealing with physical and emotional changes they do not fully understand. When such a child is caned, the tears are not only from the physical pain but also from the many overwhelming and unspoken challenges in their lives.

This may help explain why many young people long to leave their communities as soon as they feel they have endured “enough suffering,” or when they transition to the next level of education, such as secondary school or university. For those who lack love and support at home, the search for acceptance often leads them to peers or adults who may take advantage of their vulnerability. In some cases, this results in harmful outcomes, including teenage pregnancies.

These stories may already be familiar to you or to people in your community. But imagine how different the lives of these children could be if their schools received Shs100 million each, across, say, 200 schools, to support scholastic materials, provide sanitary towels for girls, or offer scholarships to children whose parents or guardians cannot afford to keep them in school beyond Primary Five or Seven. What impact could Shs100 million have in strengthening school feeding programs in 200 selected schools across Uganda? Just imagine.

Perhaps one day, this could become a reality for Ugandan learners, for whom quality education still feels out of reach.

We invite you to share your experience if you studied in a rural school, and your ideas on strategies that can support children in these communities to thrive and reach their full potential, simply because they were given a fair chance at quality education.

AfriMedia Training Institute Irene Abalo Otto

17/04/2026

Education should be a foundation for all.

26/03/2026

Strengthening media professionals in challenging contexts: Lessons from Gulu

How do you organise an impactful event without the necessary resources at your disposal? This was the challenge a small team of four had to navigate in order to deliver a needs-based training, counselling, and fireside chat at TAKS Centre in Gulu on March 20, 2026.

The team from AfriMedia Training Institute and Female Journalists Foundation-Uganda began by conducting a survey to better understand the specific needs of journalists and communicators in Northern Uganda. This was particularly important as the event was being organised within the context of Women’s Month in March, with a focus on providing tailored support in post conflict Northern Uganda.

Within just two weeks, the survey attracted 55 responses from journalists across the region, including participants from Yumbe, Koboko, Nebbi, Arua, Lira, Pader, Kitgum, Agago, Adjumani, Nwoya, and Amuru. The initial target had been 25 participants. However, it quickly became clear that the demand was far greater, and more complex, than anticipated.

While the original plan was to host participants who could easily access the venue, new realities emerged. Some participants were mothers who needed to travel with caregivers, while others lacked the financial means to cover transport and accommodation, yet were deeply eager to attend. The team recognised that the need extended beyond professional training to include accessibility and inclusion.

With the concept and proposal in place, the team began reaching out to potential funders. Aware of the constraints within the donor environment, they approached partners and organisations they had previously worked with. Despite significantly reducing the budget to Shs17 million to cover only essential costs, funding was not immediately forthcoming.

As the event date approached, pressure mounted. Key logistical requirements, including venue booking, meals, transport, and accommodation for facilitators, counsellors, and 13 confirmed participants, remained unfunded. By March 2, anticipated support from potential funders had still not materialised.

At this critical point, the team turned to their personal and professional networks. What followed was a powerful demonstration of community support and collective commitment.

Professional counsellors agreed to provide their services without guaranteed compensation. Trainers in mobile storytelling, an area identified as a key need, also stepped in with minimal financial expectations. The team leader contributed her expertise to facilitate a session on career and personal branding.

Financial contributions also came through personal networks: one friend donated Shs2 million, another Shs800,000, while the team leader contributed Shs3 million. The remaining gaps were filled by dedicated volunteers.

On the day of the event, March 2026, the spirit of collaboration became even more evident. Volunteers showed with the right energy and attitude, ensuring that every aspect of the programme ran smoothly.

The counselling sessions, initially scheduled from 9:00am to 1:00pm, extended far beyond the planned time. One counsellor worked until 7:00pm, after which no additional participants could be assigned due to the intensity of the sessions. Counselling and training ran in parallel, reflecting the high demand for both technical skills and psychosocial support.

At around 6:00pm, participants gathered for the fireside chat, sharing a meal in a setting designed to feel like a communal dining space. Conversations were open, reflective, and deeply personal. Even a heavy downpour at 5:00pm did not disrupt the programme; activities were simply relocated, and the sessions continued.

The choice of the outdoor and open setting at TAKS Centre proved effective in creating an environment that encouraged free expression, connection, and networking. By 7:30pm, it was clear that a significant impact had been achieved, despite operating with minimal resources.

The team made a deliberate decision not to wait for perfect conditions before taking action. Their goal was to reach journalists, especially those who had covered elections or were carrying personal and professional burdens, and provide a safe space for release, reflection, and support.

That goal was realised. Many participants embraced the opportunity to speak openly with counsellors, beginning the process of healing and relief. It simply reminded us that no one has to carry their burdens alone, support is always possible when spaces are intentionally created.

AfriMedia Training Institute and Female Journalists Foundation remain committed to nurturing media professionals and empowering women in media. While the needs are significant and resources often limited, the impact of collective effort continues to drive this work forward.

To everyone who added a brick to this event, the wall stood high and strong because of you. We appreciate your commitment to serving humanity. Culton Scovia Sam Ssettumba Simon Wokorach Susan Achola Christine Lanyero Chowoo W***y

To support these initiatives, including sponsoring journalists for counselling or professional development programmes, please visit our website for contribution details. https://afrimediatraininginstitute.com/donate
We appreciate your generosity. All support will be acknowledged with transparency and accountability.

03/03/2026

This Women’s Month, we celebrate all female journalists who go above and beyond the discomforts and challenges of reporting, especially in rural and underserved communities.

From Uganda to the rest of the world, women in media continue to bring forward voices that might otherwise remain hidden by poverty, inequality, or lack of exposure. Through their work, they shape narratives, influence decisions, and push for accountability.

Our stories are often the first rough draft of history, and in many cases, the first rough draft of justice.

To every woman journalist telling difficult but necessary stories: we see you, we value you, and we celebrate you.

📸 Wakabi Irene Abalo Otto

10/01/2026

Best wishes for the New Year, 2026!

At the Female Journalists Foundation, we explored Yumbe, Terego, Maracha and Arua to touch base with communal life in Uganda.

We hope the holidays were as colourful, restful, and communal in your various communities as they were for the people of West Nile.

May 2026 bring renewed hope and strengthen our shared humanity.

17/10/2025

There is power in owning your story, your narrative all the way...

In this , we take a trip from Mbale to Kampala and capture . It's October 15 and the sun is fast setting... 📸Irene Abalo Otto