KAMPALA – Makerere University has launched a short course aimed at helping journalists better report on climate change. This program is designed to give media practitioners the skills they need to explain climate issues and potential solutions clearly.
The course comes at a crucial time, as Uganda faces serious climate challenges affecting agriculture and water resources. Professor Sarah N. Ssali, the acting vice-chancellor, emphasized the importance of addressing these issues. Agriculture is vital in Uganda, covering 72% of land use, but 41% of that land is damaged.
“Research from our university supports national and international efforts to strengthen climate resilience and create sustainable cities,” she said.
The course will delve into climate science, policy, and effective communication strategies. It also provides a chance for journalists to exchange experiences and techniques for reporting on climate matters. As Professor Ssali put it, “Effective communication is essential to raise awareness and spur action.”
Climate change affects many areas, including public health and urban development. Prof. Ssali pointed out that even education is disrupted by climate shocks like floods and droughts, impacting learning environments and damaging community infrastructure.
This initiative is timely. Uganda recently experienced increased climate-related disasters, which have heightened the urgency for informed reporting. In 2024, Makerere hosted a workshop focusing on climate adaptation, underscoring the need for immediate action to protect livelihoods.
The goal of this course is to create a skilled group of journalists who can report accurately on climate issues. This will promote awareness and drive public actions for change.
Prof. Gorettie Nabanoga from the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences spoke about the necessity of intertwining science, policy, and journalism. “Climate science can be complex,” she noted. “Journalists help simplify this information for public understanding.”
British High Commissioner to Uganda, Lisa Chesney, encouraged journalists to take on the challenge of responsible reporting. She stated, “Often, journalists act as a bridge between complex science and society. They can inspire change and promote transparency in climate investments.” Chesney confirmed her support for initiatives that enhance climate-smart jobs, reflecting a commitment to developing a knowledgeable society ready to face climate challenges.
Alex Atuhaire from the Editors’ Guild stressed the importance of providing mentorship to media houses for accurate climate reporting. He acknowledged that many reporters find this topic daunting due to its complexity.
Leonard Namukasa, a strategy lead for the Info Nile program, pointed out that sometimes government staff lack the expertise to provide relevant data. This results in journalists relying on outdated information, which can diminish public interest in climate issues.
Recent statistics suggest that countries around the world are also grappling with climate impacts, with the World Meteorological Organization reporting that climate-related disasters have doubled in the past 50 years. This reinforces the need for effective reporting to engage and inform the public.
In summary, Makerere University’s new course seeks to empower journalists with the right tools to tackle climate change reporting. It highlights the crucial role that informed media can play in addressing one of the most significant challenges facing the world today.
For more information on climate impacts and solutions, check out this World Meteorological Organization report.
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Media practitioners, Climate change reporting, Makerere University, Makerere to skill media practitioners on climate change reporting
