Among the regional winners, Jesse Johnson James (Northern Uganda) was recognized for his story on inclusive consumer protection, while Ssekimuli Fred (Kampala Metropolitan Area) won for highlighting public concerns over standards gaps.
The Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS), in partnership with TradeMark Africa (TMA) and with support from UK International Development, has recognized eight outstanding journalists at the inaugural Standards & Metrology Media Awards 2026.
The awards ceremony, held at the UNBS headquarters in Bweyogerere, celebrated media professionals who demonstrated exceptional ability in simplifying complex topics such as quality infrastructure, fair trade, and consumer protection for the public.
The recognition follows an intensive media training initiative that equipped 150 journalists across five regional hubs in early March. A total of 64 stories, published between March 12 and 19, 2026, were submitted and later assessed by an independent panel from the Makerere University Department of Journalism and Communication. Entries were judged based on accuracy, impact, and depth.
Speaking at the event, UNBS Executive Director James Kasigwa underscored the critical role of the media in advancing Uganda’s development agenda.
“A country is only as strong as its standards, and a standard is only as strong as the public’s belief in it. Journalists are our ‘Quality Ambassadors’ who translate technical science into actionable knowledge for every Ugandan,” he said.
Among the regional winners, Jesse Johnson James (Northern Uganda) was recognized for his story on inclusive consumer protection, while Ssekimuli Fred (Kampala Metropolitan Area) won for highlighting public concerns over standards gaps. Other winners included Phoebe Masongole (Eastern Uganda), Kiiza Innocent (Western Uganda), and Davis Buyondo (Central Uganda).
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At the national level, Chowoo Willy won Best Male Journalist, while Doreen Bazio took the Best Female Journalist award. Lydia Felly Akullu received a special mention for her investigative report on the sale of banned cosmetics on social media platforms.
TMA Country Director Anna Nambooze reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to strengthening Uganda’s quality ecosystem through media engagement.
“Certification is key to unlocking Uganda’s export potential. When the media highlights success stories of standard-compliant Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, they enhance national competitiveness in regional and global markets,” she noted.
She added that initiatives like the UNBS Standards & Metrology Media Initiative are crucial in helping local producers tap into opportunities under frameworks such as the African Continental Free Trade Area.
The initiative, implemented by Ultimate Multimedia Consult, has also led to the establishment of dedicated “Standards Desks” in 12 media houses to promote sustained and professional reporting on quality infrastructure issues.
TradeMark Africa, a non-profit trade facilitation agency established in 2010, continues to work with UNBS and other government bodies to strengthen Uganda’s trade environment, improve transparency, and enhance the country’s export competitiveness.
UNBS, a government agency, remains mandated to develop and enforce national standards aimed at protecting public health and safety, ensuring fair trade, and promoting the competitiveness of Ugandan products in regional and international markets.
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