Absa Bank Uganda has launched a three-year partnership with Makerere University aimed at enhancing the capabilities of practicing journalists in financial, business, and data-driven reporting, with the goal of transforming Uganda’s media landscape.
As part of the collaboration, 20 journalists from across the country participated in the 2025 Absa-Makerere Journalism Masterclass, held at the university. The intensive two-day training focused on improving the accuracy, depth, and clarity of journalistic reporting—empowering participants to craft impactful stories that engage audiences and foster informed national dialogue.
Speaking at the masterclass, Catherine Kijjagulwe, Acting Head of Markets at Absa Bank Uganda, said:
“This session has provided journalists with an opportunity to enhance their skills and gain insights from industry experts, while also networking with their peers. At Absa Bank Uganda, we are proud to support such an impactful initiative, which aligns with our commitment to promoting excellence across various sectors.”
Kijjagulwe noted that the insights shared during the training will enable journalists to contribute meaningfully to Uganda’s evolving media landscape.
“We are grateful to the Makerere University Department of Journalism and Communication for making this engagement possible. We look forward to continuing this collaboration in the years ahead.”
Dr. Aisha Nakiwala Sembatya, Head of the Department of Journalism and Communication at Makerere University, applauded Absa Bank Uganda for supporting the initiative, describing it as a critical step toward elevating journalistic standards in the country.
Billy Bisanga, Head of Client and Digital Marketing at Absa Bank Uganda, who represented the Director of Marketing and Customer Experience, Helen Basuuta Nangonzi, emphasized the bank’s recognition of journalism’s role in promoting transparency and informed public discourse.
“We support initiatives that empower journalists with the tools needed to thrive in a rapidly changing media environment,” he said.
Bisanga also highlighted the curriculum’s focus on economic and financial reporting:
“This training was designed to deepen journalists’ understanding of complex financial issues. We are confident that participants will now produce more impactful stories that shape national conversations. Over the next three years, we aim to train even more journalists under this partnership.”
