By Julius Mugaga Tukacungurwa/Umoja Standard.
Kampala, Uganda: Seasoned Journalists and Communication expert Joshua Kyalimpa, also communication officer at the Ministry of Gender has been awardedfor his outstanding works in the field of Communication for Development.
The award was presented to Joshua Kyalimpa at a colourful ceremony attended by top media executives,journalists as well as representatives of civil society and Diplomatic Community. The event took place at Hotel Africana in Kampala. Sponsored by the Private sector foundation and Uganda Journalists Association with funding from the world bank under the GROW project the awarded were a climax of a media dialogue on the theme media and development with bias on how the media could be used as a tool for Women Economic Empowerment
A citation by senior Journalist Andrew Kyamagero of NTV and the China Global Television Network (CTGN) said Joshua Kyalimpa work at the Ministry of Gender has improved publicity for the programmes of UWEP and YLP and washed away the negative publicity hitherto associated with the programmes.
He said while still in practice Joshua Kyalimpa also pioneered different innovations in the media such as creation of the Uganda Parliamentary forum on media and Freedom of expression, was the first vice president of the commonwealth Journalists Association, single headedly led efforts that led to the acquisition of premises housing the head offices for Uganda Journalists Association which he headed as president and continues to support different media causes
“It’s a great honour to receive the award while still alive, often nice words are said when somebody has passed on I am happy to be receiving this in my life time” said Kyalimpa while receiving the award.
(L-r) Dr. Denis Ngabirano C E O Sumz, John Kakande Veteran Journalist, Joshua Kyalimpa for UJA President Hon. Teddy Nambooze Chairperson Uganda Parliamentary Forum on Media, Hon Nyombi Thembo ED UCC, Ms. Sarah Kagingo Vice Chairperson PSFU, Dr. Livingstone Sewanyana FHRI; Ms. Margeret Sekagya HRCU; Dr. Sam Kazimbwe Head of Research at Cbs Radio, Ms. Juliet Naiga Chief News Editor UBC Radios, Ms.Rebecca KukundakweGender Specialist at Psfu and Mr. Kiyimba Richard UJA Administrative Secretary:
The Award was presented to Joshua Kyalimpa by Sarah Kagingo vice chairperson board for the Private sector foundation and Dr Margaret Sekagya chairperson of the Human Rights Centre. Other awardees included Hon Sophia NaluleJuuko of the Equal Opportunities Commission Dr. Samuel Kazibweof CBS, Dr. Ruth BuyinzikaKasolo of PSFU, Dr. Livingstone Sewanyana, Foundation for Human Rights Initiative and Dr. Margaret Sekagya of the Human Rights Centre.
Joshua Kyalimpa, Holds two Bachelors one in Mass communications, and another in Democracy and Development. He also holds a masters in International relations and diplomatic studies and recently completed a master’s in Public Policy and Governance from UMI. He is a holder of post graduate diploma in international broadcast Journalism from the prestigious Thomson Foundation Cardiff University UK and other professional qualifications from the Radio Netherlands Training Centre and a host of other institutions