A new partnership between Uganda Christian University (UCU) and the media is taking shape to make academic research more accessible to the public and strengthen fact-based reporting in Uganda.
The initiative was launched at UCU during a media meet and greet that brought together journalists, researchers, and academic leaders to explore how storytelling can close the long-standing gap between academia and the media under the theme; ‘Synergy in Storytelling: Forging a New Partnership Between Academia and Media’.
UCU Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Administration and Finance, David Mugawe, said universities generate a lot of valuable knowledge, but most of it never reaches the public.
“We generate a lot at the campus, but it’s kept with us here,” Mugawe said. “The media is well positioned, and we are interested in that. Feedback from the public informs teaching and learning. This is an opportunity to open up and create a platform for two-way communication.”
Mugawe added that the university aims at a feedback platform to allow journalists and the public to respond to research outputs, describing it as the beginning of a long-term partnership with the media.
Participants at the meeting highlighted the crucial role journalists play in simplifying academic work for wider audiences. Dr Sam Kazibwe, a journalism scholar and practitioner, said academia and journalism are natural partners.
“Academia and journalism practice coexist and complement each other,” Dr. Kazibwe said. “Researchers analyze complex issues, but the media breaks them down for the public. This is where real impact begins.”
Stella Marion Athieno, one of the participants, noted that “media-university” collaborations are becoming key in fact-checking and countering misinformation, especially in critical areas like health, climate change, and governance.
According to her, packaging research for the intended audience can be technical, and “the media steps in to make the message understandable.”
Despite the optimism, speakers acknowledged existing barriers. Dr. Kazibwe pointed out that some universities make it difficult for journalists to access experts or research outputs.
“University access becomes difficult for journalists at some institutions,” he said. “But reporters also sometimes misinterpret messages and fail to seek clarity, resulting in inaccurate stories.”
Participants agreed that structured partnerships — including media briefings, dedicated communication officers, and trusted contacts — could address many of these challenges.
Moses Lubega, a journalist, proposed introducing scholarships and training opportunities for reporters to help them understand research better.
Brenda Nekesa, another participant, said that when journalists and researchers work closely, the biggest beneficiaries are communities, who receive credible, evidence-based information to make better decisions.
The UCU engagement marks the beginning of a broader national conversation about how universities and media can work together.
Harriet Adong Ekallam Atuyambe, the UCU Director for Communication and Public Relations says the university’s future plans include creating structured channels for research dissemination, training programs for journalists, media fellowships tied to academic institutions, accurate and in-depth coverage of development issues.
