By Dismas Nuwaine
The School of Journalism, Media, and Communication at Uganda Christian University emerged as the first of the 11 universities that took part in the first round of the inter-university quiz.
The first round of the tournament was aimed at testing the efficiency of the participants in the art of radio. The participating teams were required to come up with a compelling 30-minute radio show. The uniqueness of the show was to be tested by the teasers, advertisements, and sweepers used in the show.
Normally, only six of the 11 universities qualify for the next round of the second round of the challenge; however, the seventh team will qualify due to a tie between the sixth and seventh teams.
The media challenge initiative is one of the many programmes organised by the Media Challenge Initiative Uganda. The initiative professes to be a youth-driven, non-profit establishment with the aim of building the next generation of journalists in Africa.
Vanessa Majwega, the Media Link president, revealed that this was a moment of redemption to re-paint the distorted picture.
“It was more of a relief from what happened last year. I actually took it so personally, and so we desired to do better, “said Vanessa. “We went back to the drawing board and showed them what UCU has to offer. We brought UCU from mockery to victory,” continued the president.
In the last edition of the challenge, UCU crashed out of the competition at this stage after a few technical errors left the team in disarray. This ultimately meant that it was outcompeted by its competitors.
This time around, there was a much more sombre mood among the lads, and no one could visibly hide that sense of optimism about their demeanor.
“The amount of time we put in could not amount to nothing,” said Luba Pauline, the voice behind the group’s mini-radio feature. “We put in a lot of energy, passion, and creativity. I also had lots of faith in our radio presenters, “continued the Uganda Patterners Intern.
Marvin Twiinawe, a student who also doubles as the chief producer of a student-led UCU Focus TV, revealed that he was a little bit sceptical of the results and had to get himself dismissed.
“I actually had to move out during the unveiling of the victorious teams. I hate losing and therefore couldn’t stomach my team not passing through,” said Marvin.
This is the 12th edition of the initiative that has been operating in Uganda for about 12 years, since 2012, when the programme was cked off.
The second edition will focus on television, and all seven teams will be required to produce a news bulletin with stories focusing profoundly on public service delivery.
Leah Alikobwakoyo, the vice president of the media link, is very hopeful for victory in the second phase of the edition and revealed that the team is already preparing in a classic tale of faith with action.
“We are sourcing for stories; people have begun pitching ideas. We are voice-training anchors and reporters. Producers are formalising with the software and working their way through the news bumpers,” said Leah.
