The African Centre for Media Excellence (ACME) is pleased to announce that submissions are now open for the 2025 annual Uganda National Journalism Awards (UNJA). The awards recognise and celebrate outstanding journalistic contributions within the Ugandan media landscape. Journalists and media organisations and platforms across the nation are invited to submit their entries and participate the 11th edition of the awards.

Key dates

  • Submissions open: 7 November 2024
  • Submission deadline: 28 February 2025
  • Adjudication of entries: March-May 2025
  • Awards gala: 28 May 2025

Key highlights

Last year, UNJA introduced several key changes to the awards:

  • Shifting focus to sustained excellence: UNJA recognises journalists based on their overall body of work and its impact, rather than solely focusing on single entries. Journalists will submit at least three (3) and up to five (5) pieces in only one category, showcasing their thematic expertise and consistent quality within their chosen area of focus.
  • New climate change reporting category: ACME and the Palladium Group through the Climate Smart Jobs (CSJ) programme, is introducing a new category this year to recognise outstanding climate change reporting. This award aims to honor journalists who delve into the complex issues surrounding climate change, such as environmental degradation, extreme weather events, and their impact on vulnerable communities.
  • Revamped institutional awards: Media organisations and platforms of all sizes and locations are now eligible to compete for the Stanbic Shield of Journalism Award.

Why participate? 

  1. Gain well-deserved national recognition for your dedication to impactful journalism. Cement your place in Ugandan media history by joining the ranks of esteemed award winners.
  2. Play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Ugandan media by contributing to high-quality journalism that empowers and informs the nation.
  3. Benchmark your work against industry standards. Participating in the competition allows you to assess your work against the highest standards in Ugandan journalism. The judging process, conducted by seasoned and respected media professionals, provides valuable feedback that can help you refine your skills and strengthen your craft.
  4. The competition can reignite your passion for storytelling and push you to explore new avenues within your expertise. Share your best work with a wider audience. Participating in the awards can create a sense of pride and accomplishment within your team. Recognition for their hard work can boost morale and motivate staff to continue producing impactful journalism.

How to participate

Read the category descriptions here.

Read the eligibility rules and submission guidelines here.

If you have any questions, write to awards[at]acme-ug.org with the subject ‘UNJA 2025 inquires’.