By Agatha N. Biira
Prof. Monica B. Chibita, the Dean of the School of Journalism, Media and Communication at Uganda Christian University (UCU), honored the co-founder and Executive Director of the African Centre for Media Excellence (ACME), Dr. Peter Mwesige, for his great impact on the media in Uganda at his official handover ceremony at the offices on June 18.
In her speech, Chibita commended Dr. Mwesige for starting an organization that has striven to raise the standard of journalism and expand the boundaries of freedom of expression in Uganda.
“ACME’s impact is no longer debatable. Peter’s leadership, humility, and willingness to admit that he was wrong led us here. He led at a time when things were tough. Peter, you have left a huge footprint on the media industry in Uganda and beyond,” Chibita said.
She said there are new concerns about the viability of the media here and all over the world. “We are competing with social media influencers. The debate now is whether to put money into journalism or social media influencers. Journalism as we once knew it is endangered. “There is a need for a new focus on the centrality of viability and sustainability,” Chibita said.
Chibita was the founding board chair for ACME from 2012 to 2020. She recalls when Mwesige asked her to be part of the board. “I was quite surprised and actually laughed, but Peter was serious. It was a privilege to serve on the board,” Chibita said.
In a media release dated June 02, 2022, the Board of Directors announced that Dr. Mwesige was stepping down as the Executive Director. The board said Dr. George W. Lugalambi, who was interviewed at the end of last year, has been appointed as the new Executive Director.
It has been a great privilege to work with the amazing team at ACME to support excellence in our journalism. “Now is the time to pass on the baton to another person who shares our passion for quality journalism and vision for media support to take ACME to the next level,” Dr. Mwesige said.
Dr. Mwesige has served as Executive Director of ACME since its incorporation in 2009. Before that, he worked as the group training editor of Nation Media Group, Head of the Department of Mass Communication at Makerere University, and Executive Editor of Monitor Publications Ltd.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, Dr Mwesige said, unlike people saying that you can not leave what you started, ACME is like a child to him. As parents, we leave our children to start out on their own when they have matured. That is what I am doing with ACME,” Mwesige said.
Dr. George Lugalambi, the incoming Executive Director, asked the team to support and build an organization that is financially able. “There is no need to be shy about where you want to go and inviting people to buy into your vision,” Dr. Lugalambi said.
ACME is a Kampala based non-profit organization that is committed to excellence in journalism and mass communication in Africa. It started formal operations in December 2009 and has trained over 1000 journalists from all over Africa.
