Journalists Trained on Reporting Environmental Impacts of EACOP

Kiboga

The Albertine Journalists Platform (AJOP), in collaboration with the National Association of Professional Environmentalists (NAPE), has organized a one-day training workshop for journalists from selected radio stations within the Albertine region.

The training, being held on Monday at Atkon Hotel in Kiboga District, is aimed at enhancing journalists’ skills in reporting and documenting stories related to the impacts of the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP).

While officiating at the training, Kiboga Town Council LC III Chairperson Henry Kagali noted that oil companies sometimes come into conflict with local communities despite the rights of those communities. He said this situation calls for journalists across the region to play a key role in ensuring that such issues are properly highlighted.

Kagali also appreciated the journalists for coming together to strengthen their critical thinking when reporting on issues affecting the environment and the social welfare of communities. He encouraged them to embrace such trainings to improve their professionalism.

Julius Kagwa from the National Association of Professional Environmentalists (NAPE) said the training has helped remind participants from different media stations about the basic principles of reporting in the oil-rich Albertine Graben region.

Kagwa explained that journalists were guided on how to cover sensitive issues involving international oil companies while ensuring their own safety, as well as understanding their professional responsibility as environmental journalists.

He further challenged journalists to use their platforms to advocate for marginalized communities affected by environmental changes and development projects.

Some journalists who attended the training said the workshop has improved their reporting skills, particularly in areas of accuracy, timeliness, and balancing stories without bias.

They also applauded the organizers for bringing together journalists from different regions, describing the platform as an opportunity to strengthen unity and collaboration within the media fraternity.

Radio stations represented at the training included KKCR FM Kagadi, Liberty FM, Radio Maria, Spice FM, KDR Kibaale, KCR Kakumiro, Green Radio Kiboga, and Kazi Njema Media, among others.