Master of Journalism and Media Studies - Main Campus

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https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11951/785

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    Facebook and Political Communication: An Analysis of Uganda’s January 2021 General Elections
    (2024-10-18) Pamela Amia
    The study sought to analyze Facebook usage as a tool for political communication, and expression of freedom of speech during the 2021 general elections in Uganda. It examined ways through which Facebook was used as a tool of communication during the 2021 Ugandan presidential elections; investigated challenges encountered in using Facebook as a tool for freedom of expression, documented lessons learned, and proposed solutions to overcome challenges faced. The study utilized a descriptive research design with a mixed research approach. Data was collected from a sample of 568 Facebook posts with 33,807,275 engagements through content analysis and 12 interview participants. The study was premised on the Social Media Engagement (SME) theory. The study findings show that the presidential candidates used Facebook as a virtual mode of campaign to disseminate political information to the electorate. Meanwhile, the results showed that there was use of Facebook as a tool to exercise freedom of speech. Challenges highlighted included blackmail, hate speech, propaganda, government interference, and misinformation. Key recommendations, in this study, for overcoming challenges in using Facebook for political communication include leveraging alternative communication channels, building a strong following, promoting digital literacy, professionalizing social media strategies, implementing best practices on Facebook, and government involvement in facilitating internet access and promoting ICT infrastructure to enhance political efficacy and freedom of speech. For using Facebook in political communication, the study recommends growing social media following, utilizing visual content, engaging the public through live content, asking and answering questions, fact-checking content, targeting younger social media users, government enabling free elections, using social media to amplify messages and counter misinformation, and acknowledging the democratization of expression through social media.
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    Exploring the representation of women in Uganda’s Television industry
    (2024-10-21) Amon Mukamasiimwe
    The purpose of the study was to explore the representation of women in Uganda’s Television media workforce. This study was guided by feminist theory in mass media studies, which stresses that women are most disadvantaged in some ways and therefore not allowed the same rights as their male counterparts. The approach was qualitative and the method was in-depth interviews with purposefully selected participants at TV West, and data was analyzed through thematic analysis. The study found out that men dominate higher positions compared to women. This study also found out that women who were promoted to high positions most preferred to work with men and not fellow women. The issues related to inflexibility, inflexibility to certain activities, and reluctance to work extra hours beyond the stipulated work schedules were an attest to this. The study further found out that women face the challenge of sexual harassment, societal pressures, the challenge of balancing family and work, thus find the Television job much costly to maintain. This study concludes that women remain underrepresented, and recommends that future researchers do a comparative study on women’s representation across different Televisions in Uganda, and also investigate the mode of training of television professionals in Uganda.
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    Analysis of Audience Participation in Community Radio Programmes in Eastern Uganda. A Case Study of Delta Community Radio, Soroti (Uganda)
    (Uganda Christian University, 2024-10-11) Leah Atai
    Realistically, a major thesis project like this can never be credited to a single person’s work but to an entire team. I therefore, extend my deepest gratitude and appreciation to all those who have contributed to the successful completion of this study. In the pursuit of understanding the intricate dynamics of community radio programming in Eastern Uganda, this research endeavors would not have been possible without the support, guidance, and contributions of numerous individuals and organizations. First and foremost, the almighty God for bestowing upon me the knowledge and granting me the courage to face adversity. Secondly, a heartfelt appreciation is extended to the management and staff of Delta Community Radio in Soroti District for their invaluable cooperation and openness in granting access to vital resources and facilitating the necessary arrangements for data collection. Special gratitude is extended to the participants of this study, whose willingness to share insights, experiences, and perspectives has enriched the depth and breadth of the research findings. Their engagement has been instrumental in shedding light on the nuances of audience participation in community radio programs. The academic and professional guidance provided by mentors, advisors, and peers throughout the research process is deeply acknowledged and appreciated. Their expertise and encouragement have been indispensable in shaping the trajectory of this study and refining its methodologies. Furthermore, appreciation is extended to the communities of Eastern Uganda, whose vibrant culture, diverse voices, and unwavering support have been a constant source of inspiration and motivation. Lastly, heartfelt thanks are extended to family members and loved ones for their unwavering support, patience, and understanding throughout the journey of conducting this research. This acknowledgement is a testament to the collaborative spirit and collective effort that underpins the pursuit of knowledge and understanding. May this research endeavor contribute meaningfully to the advancement of community radio programming and audience engagement in Eastern Uganda and beyond.
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    Journalists Experience in Covering Corruption. A Case of Daily Monitor Newsroom
    (Uganda Christian University, 0023-05-24) Lydia Nanyondo
    The purpose of the study was to explore the practices among journalists covering corruption in Uganda. Its specific objectives included understanding the experiences journalists face in covering corruption, exploring the challenges of journalists in covering corruption and exploring the influence of Journalistic practice in covering corruption issues within Uganda. The study adopted a qualitative approach using in-depth interviews to collect data from a sample of 12 Journalists from Daily Monitor Media House. The data was collected through in-depth interviews using an interview guide and during analysis and inductive thematic approach was adopted. Oe of the key findings of the study was Journalists faced institutional challenges such as institutional incarceration, lawsuits, equipment destruction and fear for life.
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    The Role of Radio in Facilitating Women’s Participation in Development Initiatives in Rural Areas: A Case Study of Voice of Kigezi
    (Uganda Christian University, 2024-05-17) Jatim Morris
    Is radio broadcasting of development programmes in rural areas helpful to women's participation in development initiatives? This study examines the role of Voice of Kigezi radio station in promoting women's participation in development initiatives in Kabale Central Division. A sample of twenty-four (24) respondents was obtained through purposive sampling. These included village women, Voice of Kigezi staff and government officials. Interviews and focus group discussions were used to collect data. The data was coded and analysed using Atlas.ti 8. It was found that Voice of Kigezi radio, through the broadcast of development programmes, has aimed to create an enabling environment for women to participate in the various development initiatives in the region; providing women the opportunity to express their opinions and participate in discussions on development projects in the region, creating avenues for free health services and legal advice, and informing and educating women about the various development initiatives in the region, empowering women among others. However, financial constraints, lack of a women's listening forum, limited programmes for women, fear of some women in the region to participate in discussions, male dominance in broadcasting the development programmes, stereotyping, betrayal by the implementing agencies and the geographical nature of the region continues to prevent the station from facilitating women’s participation in the development initiatives in the region effectively. The study recommends that the government through its regulatory body - UCC - should have a clear policy on how radio stations can create equal access and participation in the production of development programmes and distribution of jobs in radio stations. A policy to create development programmes that specifically target women is also strongly recommended. Secondly, the management of Voice of Kigezi should establish a listeners' forum for women, set up toll-free telephone lines for key development programmes, ensure that evaluation of programmes is included in the strategic plan, publicise the objectives of the development programmes and the vision and mission of the station and finally, the station should strengthen its communication approach through a participatory communication model. Key words: Radio, Participation, Development Initiatives and Broadcasting