By Frank Kamuntu
The prestigious annual National Population Media Awards 2023 Thursday awarded five journalists including Daily Express’ David Okema for their outstanding reporting on Population and Development issues in Uganda.
Okema, a senior journalist and Bureau Chief for Daily Express in the Acholi Sub-Region emerged the winner in the Online Category with his well-packaged story titled, ”Is Museveni’s Executive Order No.3 a Blanket Order?” which was featured in July this year shortly after the Presidential directive on the tense Balaalo crisis in the northern region.
Speaking right after receiving his accolade, Okema expressed joy and appreciation towards the NPC for recognizing his efforts and urged fellow journalists to produce well-researched stories that are impactful to the community to cause a change.
“I am honored and motivated to be recognized by the great brains as a winner in this competition. I never expected it. It’s my maiden, and I believe this was possible because of my commitment and consistency to serve my people using my career. I think as journalists, we just need to do more and produce well-researched stories that can differentiate us from citizen journalists out there,” Okema stated.
“Our stories should be able to shape debate, reform policies or advance the existing policies for the betterment of our communities,” he added.
Vision Group’s Jacquline Achan (New Vision) emerged overall winner and bagged shs 2 million in cash, an accolade and sundries, while Henry Mugenyi (NBS Television) won in the Television category.
Other winners were; Prossy Nandutu, (New Vision) who won in the print category and Amaiko Martin of Radio Simba in the radio category. Each of them bagged accolades and Shs 1 million.
