The Annual Media Conference is the initiative of www.glcsms.org and its subsidiary digital newspaper, www.tndnewsug.com. Started in September 2016 as an informal media conference, Milton Emmy Akwam, the event’s chief initiator and his team in 2019 attached the event to GLCSMS.

Over the last years, the conference has brought together close to 300 participants who have discussed and given ways forward to over 15 conference subjects. The conference has given both media and journalists, and different stakeholders a platform to meet, discuss and resolve on key issues affecting both media and the society.

In 2019 conference, Access to Information was one of the key topics discussed, and participants agreed that it is “important to give media information” and also, media should report accurately, with integrity and sympathy in some areas.

Unlike previous conferences (2016 and 2019), the 2020 event will be convened under strict circumstances due to Covid-19 pandemic in the country. Nonetheless, the organisers are optimistic the event will be successful even when the number of participants shall reduce.

Under the theme Role of Media during Elections and Pandemic”, the conference will take place on the 23 October 2020 at Gracious Palace Hotel, Lira City East Division.

Chief Guest is expected to be Rt. Hon. Jacob Oulanyah, Deputy Speaker of Parliament, with a keynote address coming from Hon. Judith Nabakooba, Minister of ICT and National Guidance. Other guest to make addresses are: Dr Jane Aceng, Health Minister, Hon. Grace Freedom Kwiyucwiny, State Minister for Northern Uganda, Hon. Betty Amongi Akena, Lango Parliamentary Group Chairperson and Kampala Minister, among invited speakers.

Why the conference?

The conference is a continuation of past two conferences. The organisers have been demanded to continue with the initiative in a bid for the public to understand the importance of media, and for the media not only to educate, inform and entertain, but to help government at all levels by informing the population it serves.

Since 2016, the conference has created a fair relationship between media (journalists), local government leaders, and public in Lango sub-region.

Media in Lango sub-region, like any other sub-regions of the country, remains committed to serving humanity in a more ethical manner. The conference is used to help them attain more experience from experts, make contacts (networking) and to share their concerns with authorities and leaders in both government, private and CSOs world.

Focus of the conference

Now, with different political parties holding internal electoral activities ahead of general elections in 2021, media remains a key player; informing and educating the public, as well as engaging different political aspirants to understand their manifestos, programmes for the people and the country so that the population can vote a competent leader.

Also, amidst electoral processes, Uganda is battling with Covid-19 pandemic and many are at risk of dying and getting infected. To stop further spread and death, media plays, and is still playing a big role in sensitizing, educating and informing the public of the government’s best health measures to curb the virus.

In summary, the conference will discuss media roles during elections and Covid-19 pandemic.

Because of government’s restrictions due to virus surge, only 100 people will be invited at the venue, while others will follow the conversation live on different Radio stations, our social media platforms, and via Zoom.

Topics

Relevance of media in Uganda
Staying safe during election and pandemic
Has society appreciated media during elections and pandemic?
Fake news: misinformation, disinformation and mal-information
Media clampdown

Annual Media Conference is a great platform sought about in 2016 by the event's chief initiator, Milton Emmy Akwam and his group of colleagues. In 2016, Mr Akwam and his team convened inaugural media conference, and 120 participants attended.

Since 2016, excluding 2017 and 2018, close to 300 people have attended, including his profile government officials, and members of the CSOs.

1. To understand the roles of media in the society it serves
2. Creating a good working accord between media industry, leaders and society
3. Share relevant information and tools.
4. How media and different stakeholders should work during forthcoming general elections, as it's being done during pandemic.

We kindly welcome any kind of support across the world.