Against a backdrop of animated debate on Uganda's emerging oil industry, journalists and government representatives had a rare chance to sit down informally to discuss the central issue of government secrecy in its dealings with oil and mining companies.
Twenty-five editors and reporters met with officials and civil society members in Kampala, Uganda, for an "editor briefing" on transparency and accountability. The 21 November meeting was part of RWI's media training program for journalists covering oil, gas and mining issues in Africa, convened in partnership with the African Centre for Media Excellence (ACME).
Godber Tumushabe, executive director of Ugandan NGO Advocates Coalition for Development and Environment, began by discussing the broad context surrounding oil issues.
"Oil reporting is about everything about this country," he said, explaining how the industry impacts livelihoods, politics, the economy, social development and the environment. "Any attempt to compartmentalize it would be a disservice to the country."
