KIU’s Owarimpa Graduates from the 9th Media Challenge Fellowship Programme

Kampala International University Mass Communication student Esther Owarimpa has graduated from the ninth cohort of the Media Challenge Fellowship and Apprenticeship Programme, marking another milestone in her professional development as a young journalist.

Esther was among 26 fellows who graduated on Friday, 13 November 2026, during the Media Challenge Initiative’s (MCI) 9th Annual Fellowship Graduation and Story Exhibition held at the MCI Media Hub in Kabalagala, Kampala.

Held under the theme “Celebrating New Voices, Real Impact: Reporting That Matters,” the ceremony celebrated the fellows' growth and achievements while showcasing multimedia stories addressing real issues affecting communities.

Reflecting on her experience, Esther said the fellowship gave her an opportunity to acquire practical journalism skills and discover abilities she had not initially considered exploring.

She explained that she initially expected to concentrate mainly on news anchoring but was encouraged by her mentors to venture into other areas of journalism, particularly production. “I expected to do and learn more about anchoring during the fellowship, but the mentors encouraged me to do more, including production, which I eventually ventured into,” Esther said.

The experience has already translated into professional opportunities. Even before completing her university degree, Esther secured employment at NRG Radio, where she currently works as a producer.

Esther's immediate mentor, Isaac Akugizibwe, a lecturer at Kampala International University, described her as a distinguished student and a valued member of the university's news team. “Esther is a distinguished student and a cherished member of our news team who has not only made us proud but also kept the KIU flag high. The fellowship has improved her craft and also made her realise her worth, a reason why she is one of the few who have already secured a job in line with her skills,” Akugizibwe said.

Speaking during the graduation, MCI Chief Executive Officer Abaas Mpindi reflected on the challenges facing journalism education, observing that the number of university students pursuing journalism and mass communication had declined since the organisation began its work in 2012. He also recognised parents who continue to support their children's decision to study journalism, noting the importance of the profession to society.

Representing the Segal Family Foundation, Sylvia Ilahuka celebrated the fellows' new voices and the impact of their reporting, highlighting stories grounded in people's lived experiences, including reporting on endometriosis, inclusive education and access to government jobs. She encouraged the graduates to carry their skills and pride in their work into their next professional adventures, reaffirming the foundation's pride in the fellows and their contribution to the media sector.

Meanwhile, Franziska Kuehl, Resident Representative and Director of Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Uganda, challenged the fellows to use their newly acquired skills to tell stories that inform, inspire and shape their communities.

The Media Challenge Fellowship and Apprenticeship Programme is an intensive multimedia journalism training initiative organised by the Media Challenge Initiative. It brings together 26 top-performing students selected from the Inter-University Media Challenge. Through newsroom assignments, mentorship and practical training, fellows develop skills in online, radio and television journalism, photography, data journalism and investigative reporting. 

The ninth cohort programme received support from the European Union, Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung in Uganda and South Sudan, DW Akademie, The Elevate Prize Foundation and Segal Family Foundation.

Esther's graduation continues a growing tradition of KIU students participating in the Media Challenge Fellowship Programme.

Over the years, several KIU students have benefited from the initiative, including Noah Omuya, Faiza Salima, Martha Kahunde, Andrew Onen, Umar Kisekka, Isaac Tayebwa, Apophia Nzeirwegye, Deborah Akunyo, Ashiraf Ssekajja, Helena Otaga, Phiona Kayinza, Jimmy Akanshemeza, Lynnette Masudio, Ashiraf Kanunu and Jacob Junior Junior Munghesi among others. Their experiences demonstrate the university's continued engagement with the initiative and its commitment to encouraging students to pursue practical learning opportunities beyond the classroom.

Esther is pursuing a Bachelor of Mass Communication at KIU and has served as President of the Mass Communication Students' Association. She is also scheduled to graduate with her bachelor's degree on 21 November 2026.

Photo Credit: Media Challenge Initiative