Ugandan reporter scoops CNN African Journalist of the Year

An emotional Kavuma said “In accepting this award, I dedicate it to my colleagues at the Week Observer in Uganda, and my fellow journalists in Africa. This is in recognition for journalism that strives to put people at the forefront. With this award, I give my renewed dedication to act as a voice for the voiceless.”

Africa's media A-list and the senior executives of other sponsoring companies turned out in their finery at an “almost” live CNN broadcast from Cape Town's International Conference Centre.

CNN Multichoice logos emblazoned themselves on adjoining buildings as the crowd gather to congratulate the winners over dinner and entertainment.

Recognisable CNN anchor Jonathan Mann and e.tv morning edition anchor Nothemba Madumo took control of the evening's proceedings.

Kavuma was recognised for his work on Uganda's progress towards the UN's Millennium Development Goals. Kavuma started his career as a freelance journalist with The Monitor newspaper in 1996. He has since graduated to a senior staff writer on the Weekly Observer, concentrating his efforts on investigative work, peace, conflict and human rights reporting. He is a graduate of Makerere University.

The eight South African winners were:

• Radio general news: Mandy Wiener, Talk Radio 702, for a body of work including Khensani Mitileni and Makgabo Matlala
  
• Arts and Culture: Diana Lucas, Carte Blanche, Soweto Gospel Choir
  
• Health and Medical: Adri Kotze and Anna-Maria Lombard , A2 Media Productions, Carte Blanche Maternity Ward Mayhem
  
• Television general news and features: Nicola de Chaud and Odette Schwegler, Backyard Productions for Carte Blanche, Angel of Soweto
  
• Print Media, Magazine Feature: Kaizer Ngwenya, for Drum, Mad McGyvers on the Metroline
  
• Tourism: Mary Corrigall of the Sunday Independent, Body of Work Little India and a Slice of China.

There were 23 finalists in total.

Highlights of the awards ceremony will be broadcast as follows:

• M-Net (Pas 7) will broadcast a highlights programme of the Award Ceremony on Saturday 28 July.
  
• Broadcasters in 46 countries on the African continent will be transmitting the highlights programme.
  
• Internationally, the Highlights Programme will be shown on OBE TV in the UK, The Africa Channel in the United States and on RTP Africa.
  
• ‘Inside Africa' will also air a report on the African Journalist Award on 28 July at 5.30pm BST/6.30pm CET.