Financial journalists urged to be pro-active

Ugandan journalists have been urged to be more pro-active to increase the level of awareness and deepen the understanding of events at home and worldwide. David Sseppuuya, a former editor-in-chief of the New Vision called on business and financial journalists to lay a foundation for economic financial reporting by being more analytical.

By Walter Wafula

7 Sep 2009

He observed that the global financial crisis, the integration of the East African Community, commodity differentials, money and capital markets as well as the region's tax regimes provide a strong platform on which they can thrive as financial journalists.

Sseppuuya was presenting a paper on “The challenges facing financial journalists in Uganda”, during a media workshop organised by the Capital Markets Authority and the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants in Kampala.

He criticised journalists for heavily relying on press releases from institutions like the central bank and ministry of finance. “Let us be pro-active. But being proactive does not mean being reckless,” said Sseppuuya who is now a media consultant and conservationist having ended his seven year service at New Vision newspaper in Uganda.

Walter Wafula

About Walter Wafula

Walter Wafula is a seasoned journalist who has reported for the Daily Monitor newspaper in Kampala-Uganda. He is also a contributor on Bizcommunity.com website. Email Walter at moc.oohay@tlawfaw and connect on LinkedIn.