Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Uganda Monitor
Published on 2024-04-05 16:56:47
Kampala journalists recently took part in a training program designed to enhance their ability to combat misinformation and fake news. The workshop, titled “Countering Misinformation Through Media Literacy,” took place over three days and was a collaborative effort between the Media Challenge Initiative, the US Mission in Uganda, and the Debunk Initiative.
The training focused on promoting media literacy among young journalists, a crucial skill in today’s information landscape. The need for such training arises from the widespread dissemination of misinformation and unverified information among the public, often propagated by certain media personalities and social media influencers.
Last year, the government warned individuals who habitually spread fake news on social media platforms, recognizing it as a threat to professional journalism. Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, the Minister of ICT and National Guidance, highlighted this issue during the World Press Freedom Day celebrations. The CEO of the Media Challenge Initiative, Mr. Abaas Mpindi, emphasized the importance of media literacy in countering misinformation and understanding its impact.
Lead trainer Antonio Kisembo stressed the relevance of the training, especially with Uganda’s upcoming general election. He emphasized the importance of verifying information, particularly political manifestos, to combat misinformation during this critical period. The training aimed to equip journalists with the necessary skills to fact-check, especially as misinformation becomes increasingly sophisticated.
The workshop provided a platform for journalists to pitch stories for debunking misinformation and receive support for factual reporting. The focus on young journalists is particularly significant in Uganda, where a large proportion of the population, especially the youth, owns mobile phones. According to a report by the National Information Technology Authority, nearly 24.8 million Ugandans have mobile phones, with a significant portion being young people aged 15 to 24. This widespread smartphone use increases the risk of misinformation spreading, making media literacy and verification skills essential for responsible information dissemination.
The training aimed to empower journalists to access and analyze information effectively, especially during the upcoming election period when misinformation and disinformation are prevalent. By providing journalists with the tools to fact-check and verify information, the training sought to enhance the quality of journalism and promote responsible reporting in Uganda. With the knowledge gained from the workshop, young journalists are better equipped to tackle misinformation and ensure the dissemination of accurate and reliable information to the public.
Read the original article on Uganda Monitor
