CLOSED – Covering land and natural resource governance in Uganda

• Fellowship title: Covering land and natural resource governance
• Fellowship period: October – December 2020
• Fellowship dates: 19-23 October and 20 November-4 December 2020
• Available slots: 15
• Deadline for application: 3 October 2020

The African Centre for Media Excellence (ACME) is pleased to invite applications from Ugandan journalists for a fellowship programme on Covering Land and Natural Resource Governance. This 10-day, two-part fellowship is designed to equip journalists with skills to produce evidence-based, in-depth and investigative land-themed stories.

Background to the fellowship

Land is one of the most politicised issues in Uganda today and the management and administration of land is highly complex and contentious.  Rapid population growth and commercial investments are transforming Uganda, and the growth of demand for agricultural land is putting pressure on property rights systems throughout the country. The gradual change from customary land tenure systems that have in the past provided secure land access stands in stark contrast to a fast-changing land market, leading to conflict and confusion about policy implementation.

Despite the divided opinion and heated debate on the impact of policy implementation and legal reform, it is agreed that land administration is a critical element in the development agenda. There is also consensus that transparency is an essential component of land management, particularly in view of the scarcity of credible information on land availability and transactions, and the inadequate dissemination of public information on land rights and policies. In the nexus between policy implementation and practice, numerous issues emerge: tenure security, land security, gender disparities, property rights and governance reform.

The media is essential in providing timely, relevant and analytical information about these matters to their audiences. Their role in holding government to account and availing information to influence citizen debate cannot be overstated.

ACME is a member of the International Land Coalition and has a vested interest in advocating for a professional and vibrant that consistently participates in national conversations about inclusive, transparent decision-making about all land matters. This fellowship is therefore part of the Centre’s long-term goals of equipping journalists to deliver consistent, high-quality effectively news reports and programmes on land.

Why should you apply for the fellowship?

The fellowship, organised by the ACME with support from the Delegation of the European Union to Uganda, offers journalists an opportunity to take time out from the newsroom to enhance their investigative journalism skills while engaging in high quality, high impact land beat reporting.

Participants can expect to increase their knowledge on land governance, property rights and natural resources from experts in the field. ACME’s highly qualified journalism trainers will also be on hand to ensure that new knowledge gained is translated into compelling, in-depth and engaging stories.

Who is eligible?

The fellowship is open to all print, television, radio and online journalists who work in Uganda and have no less than two years experience in journalism. Female journalists are strongly encouraged to apply.

Participants will be selected on the quality of their application, the strength of their story pitch and on the basis of previous reporting on land, property and natural resources.

Applicants are expected to negotiate for time away from their places of work. ACME will not pay a per diem to participants, but will fund learning and transport costs for all, as well as accommodation for those based outside Kampala.

All participants are required to attend in full all 10 days of the fellowship.

How do I apply?

• All applications should be made online. To access the application form, click here.
• All applicants are required to submit a letter of support from their immediate editorial supervisors. Lack of this letter of editorial support immediately disqualifies an applicant.
• All applicants are required to submit at least three samples of published or broadcast stories.
• The application form must be completed in full. Incomplete forms will immediately disqualify applicants.
• Journalists will be informed of the success of their applications by on 8 October 2020.

For further inquiries about this course, please write to training[at]acme-ug.org.

###

 

Photo credit: Adam Jones, Ph.D./Global Photo Archive/Wikimedia Commons