By Victor Turinawe
A seasoned Ugandan journalist and media consultant, Semei Wessali, has advised Journalism and Communication students at the School of Journalism, Media and Communication at Uganda Christian University (UCU) to prioritise practical skills as the foundation for success in the profession.
Speaking during a career expo aimed at linking students with media practitioners as they prepare for internship and employment, Wessali, who has 24 years of experience, emphasised that competence outweighs academic credentials.
“Skill beats paper. A certificate will introduce you, but it cannot sustain you. Your skill is your story,” he said. “Standing here before you, I can operate a camera, produce a show, write a script, and manage a newsroom. Yes, you can specialise, but it is even more important to understand everything. You must have a working knowledge of the rest.”
Wessali encouraged students to begin putting their skills to use as early as possible instead of waiting to feel ‘ready’.
“When I was in my second year, I began writing professionally. I did not feel ready, but I started anyway. Many of you have ideas and talent. But the question is: have you started? Can your work speak for you today?” he asked.
He further urged students not to fear failure, sharing lessons from his journey.
“During my time here, I had no access to TV studios, radio production laboratories, or digital facilities like you do today. Yet I pushed myself. I ran from room to room chasing stories. That effort opened doors. Monitor Newspaper started a sister paper, the Sunday Monitor, and I joined the team before I even graduated. That paper later folded, but the skills and experience I gained did not collapse with it. Failure is not the opposite of success; it is part of success,” he said.
Wessali concluded by encouraging young journalists to embrace practice, persistence, and confidence, reminding them that media opportunities come to those who are ready to demonstrate their skill.
