New journalism fellowship on parliament and legislative affairs

The African Centre for Media Excellence (ACME) invites applications for its second journalism fellowship in the Enhanced Media Reporting for Transparency and Accountability programme.

This fellowship, on parliament, legislative affairs and government oversight, is designed to give promising Ugandan journalists the opportunity to acquire knowledge and skills to deepen their coverage of important, but under-reported stories in this field. It is a six-month in-service journalism training and mentoring opportunity, which also offers each fellow up to Shs 2.5 million in financial support towards three detailed reporting projects.

Theme:	Covering Parliament in Uganda
Period:	August 2014 – February 2015
Available Fellowship Slots:	12
Deadline for Application:	8th August 2014

 

Who can apply?

• Ugandan journalists or journalists reporting for a Ugandan media house
• Journalists with a keen interest and some experience in covering parliament, legislative affairs or government oversight and accountability mechanisms
• Journalists with no more than 2-3 years’ experience
• The fellowship is open to print, broadcast and online journalists
• Female journalists are particularly encouraged to apply
• All fellows must available fully participate in all scheduled training activities

This fellowship is not about finding the most experienced candidate. It is about equipping and cultivating the next generation of journalists.

 

Benefits of the Fellowship

• A reporting grant of up to Shs2.5 million per fellow to support three special reports on the sector of focus.
• A 5-day public affairs reporting intensive course focusing on Uganda’s parliament system, oversight and accountability processes
• A 3-day introductory course in data journalism
• A one-day dataset building seminar
• Attendance of 3 data clinics during which they will explore story ideas from the datasets assembled with ACME
• Two hours of one-on-one mentoring/coaching with a senior journalist each month of the fellowship.

 

How will the fellows be chosen?
ACME has a dedicated panel of experts made up of journalism educators, editors, governance and communications specialitists who will steer the selection process. Evaluation will be on the strength of individual applications, as well as the potential impact on public debate, institutional review and accountability of public officials of proposed reporting projects.

 

Key things to note

• The deadline for application is 8^th August 2014
• Application form must be completely filled out
• Support letter from your editor is a MUST
• Your proposed story pitch must be about parliament, legislation, and representation

 

To apply

1. Fill and submit the application form online
2. Or download, complete and send the application form to pkimumwe@acme-ug.org and info@acme-ug.org Subject line “Covering Parliament Fellowship 2014”
3. Or complete, print and bring the application form to our offices in Soya-Bunga on Ggaba Road in Kampala
4. Ask your editor to write a letter supporting your application and send it to pkimumwe@acme-ug.org

 

Do you have a question about the fellowship in general, your eligibility or the application process? Call our programme officer on 0712-666933 or write to pkimumwe@acme-ug.org