Joshua Kyalimpa (Uganda)

Me and Journalism

Journalism is a passion for me. I have practised journalism for 12 years yet I have never seen it as a job. It’s some thing I would do even if I had other sources of income because I see journalism as a calling and a way to make a personal contribution to society. When I started writing as a freelance journalist for a private radio station in Uganda I was more fascinated about hearing my voice reporting on radio and that was enough to make me happy. 12 years later I have been a reporter, chief news editor, talk show host and independent producer covering the Great Lakes region of Africa for local and International media.

Today I hold a bachelors degree in Mass communications, a bachelors of Democracy and Development and a post graduate advanced Diploma in International journalism from Cardiff University school of Journalism in UK. I take pride in the fact that I am the President of the Uganda Journalists Association and General Secretary of the Article 29 coalition, which brings together 13 media organisations.

Me and Development Cooperation

I love the notion of development aid but I dread the idea that it should come for ever. My idea about development aid is that it should be used as a catalyst for growth and recipients should not be made or make them selves dependent by misusing the aid through corruption. I feel the aid should be going to the people directly rather than through governments.

Me and Africa

I am proud to be African and to have been born In Africa. Despite the mismanagement of the continent, I believe I can help change our situation. I don’t believe in the old school that Africa cannot develop because it was colonised. China, India and the USA were also colonised, but this has not held them back.