For the last three years, Stanbic Bank Uganda has partnered with ACME to support the Stanbic Shield of Journalism Award, which recognises a media institution that has demonstrated institutional commitment to good journalistic practices, relevance, and ethical standards. This year’s award was won by Radio Pacis, based in Arua. The following are remarks by Mr Sam Mwogeza, Executive Director at Stanbic Bank Uganda, delivered at the 2025 Uganda National Journalism Awards.
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Remarks by Mr Sam Mwogeza
Executive Director & Head of Personal and Private Banking, Stanbic Bank Uganda
28 May, 2025 at Mestil Hotel, Kampala
Good evening, ladies and gentlemen.
As introduced, my name is Sam Mwogeza, and I serve Stanbic Bank as the Executive Director and Head of Personal & Private Banking. What they forgot to add though—is that I am also a journalist—a citizen journalist.
Because like millions of Ugandans, I own a smartphone, and from time to time, I have shared “breaking news” and “editorials” on my WhatsApp status and other platforms—to my handful of loyal followers. So yes, I am a journalist in my own right.
But therein also lies the problem.
The rise of journalists like me — untrained, unverified, unsupervised — has disrupted the space that trained professionals like yourselves have long occupied with integrity and skill. Technology has democratised publishing. Today, anyone with an internet connection and an opinion can be a broadcaster.
Then there’s Artificial Intelligence — another disruptive force. With AI, almost anyone can write. The craft of writing, once admired for its subtlety, clarity, and power, is now automated. Editors and proofreaders have seen their roles diminished or replaced.
The result? We are living in what many are calling an information tsunami — or more precisely, an infodemic.
Every minute, millions of pieces of content are uploaded, forwarded, shared, and screenshotted. And amidst this flood of information—much of it unchecked—many of our people are not news literate. They consume whatever pops up on their timeline as gospel truth.
For us in the financial services sector, this is a challenge of national concern. In a sea of distraction, disinformation, and sensationalism, it is increasingly difficult to deliver impactful, truthful financial literacy or market guidance. The traditional media’s role as a reliable agent of education and development is at risk—and we must find ways to restore its influence.
Yet despite these headwinds, at Stanbic Uganda, we believe journalism is still the answer.
Because only a trained, ethical journalist can distinguish truth from noise. Only a journalist who has committed to professional standards can resist the pressure to sensationalise or mislead. Only a journalist with a moral compass can remind us of our shared values.
That is why the days of what I’ll call “Kasuku Journalism”—parrot journalism—are behind us. We no longer need media that merely repeats what it hears. We need media that investigates, verifies, contextualises, and explains. We need media that can discern between what’s true, what’s almost true, and what’s dangerously false.
And that’s exactly why Stanbic Bank is here tonight to celebrate those who are doing it right. To recognise and appreciate individuals like Dr. Sam Kazibwe of CBS, whose work continues to demonstrate the power and responsibility of ethical journalism, especially in a time where values are often traded for clicks.
From where we stand in the financial sector, the stakes could not be higher.
Uganda’s economic transformation requires informed public discourse. We need more—not less— business, finance, and economic reporting. We need deeper analysis, more clarity, and greater public understanding of the issues shaping livelihoods.
And yet, we are seeing fewer entries in the business and finance reporting category of these awards each year. That tells us two things: first, that there is a gap in specialised training and professional support; and second, that economic journalism is under pressure—perhaps not as “newsworthy” in the click economy, but absolutely vital for national progress.
It is for this reason that Stanbic Bank continues to proudly sponsor the Stanbic Shield for Media Excellency. For the third year now, we have supported this award because we are deeply invested in the quality and impact of journalism in Uganda.
Beyond the awards, we also commend ACME for its broader work—especially in capacity building. Training journalists, engaging newsrooms, and championing ethical standards are long-term investments. And we are glad to be walking this journey with you.
Why? Because the reputation of our brand and its people, are safer—yes, safer—in the hands of a journalist who is trained to be fair, critical, and accurate, than in the hands of one who is reckless, biased, or uninformed. Journalism is not a weapon—it’s a mirror. When it reflects us truthfully, even if uncomfortably, it helps us grow.
As Stanbic Bank, we are also proud to serve as Chair of the Uganda Bankers Association’s Communications Committee. Through this platform, we continue to champion sector-wide media collaboration, openness, and public engagement.
Tonight, we reaffirm this partnership with the media fraternity. We understand that your success is directly tied to ours. And your challenges—if unaddressed—can quickly become national crises.
In closing, I wish to once again congratulate ACME and the judges for organising this important event.
I also thank our fellow sponsors who see the value in standing with journalism when it matters most.
And finally, to all tonight’s winners—those receiving the awards and those who were shortlisted—you are all champions. You remind us of what journalism should be and can be.
Uganda is our home. Let us drive her growth—together—through our respective trades. Thank you and
have a wonderful evening.
