Uganda National Journalism Awards 2015 – Arts and culture finalists

Honourable mention – Single mothers by choice tickle the culturally sensitive by Shamim Nakabuye Kalule and Jane Bukenya, WeInfomers

Runner-up – KLA Art ’14: Taking visual art to the people by Stephen Ssenkaaba, New Vision

Winner – Cherotich did not have to die by Caroline Ariba, New Vision

Caroline Ariba is a graduate of Development Studies from Makerere University. While still a student, she developed a passion for community issues and the need to amplify the voices of those on the margins of society. She started her career in journalism by sending short stories to New Vision and with every story published, came a greater desire to carry on.

Miss Ariba was hired by New Vision in 2012. Last year she won the award for best arts and culture reporting in the Uganda National Journalism Awards. This was followed by a Tumaini Award for reporting on child rights issues.

STORY – Cherotich did not have to die
This is the story of the death of a young woman in Kween district in Northeastern Uganda who was forcefully mutilated while in labour by a traditional birth attendant. It explores the choices of those who continue to practice female genital mutilation and details the challenges of many who are speaking out.

The investigation further studies the implementation of anti-FGM laws and the secondary subtle reasons why progressive legislation on social and cultural affairs is persistently violated.