KIU Journalism Students Graduate From The 2025 Media Challenge Fellowship Programme

On Friday, November 14, 2025, Kampala International University (KIU) Journalism students Kanunu Ashiraf and Munghesi Jacob Junior graduated from the prestigious Media Challenge Fellowship Programme alongside 24 other fellows from universities across Uganda. The ceremony took place at the MCI Media Hub in Kabalagala.

The fellowship, organized by the Media Challenge Initiative (MCI), selects the top 26 journalism students nationwide following the annual Inter-University National Newsroom Contest. Ashiraf and Jacob qualified after excelling in the 2024 competition, where Ashiraf was named Overall Best English Producer and Jacob emerged Best English Live Reporter.

Ashiraf described the fellowship as an invaluable experience that every Mass Communication student across the country should aspire to join.

“The fellowship has supplemented everything I’ve learnt in my three years of study at Campus within the shortest time possible. It has nurtured a complete one-man-army journalist one who can think, script, shoot, edit, and present without difficulty,” he said.

He further encouraged fellow students to embrace opportunities beyond the classroom.

“Let no one stop you from chasing your ambitions. University education should not end at campus. Engage in activities and seize opportunities that complement what you learn. That is how outstanding journalists are made.”

During the programme, Ashiraf produced an investigative story titled “Filling the Justice Void: How Legal Aid Efforts Uncover Uganda’s Broken Case System.”

Jacob focused his fellowship reporting on the struggles faced by young girls in Wakiso District and across Uganda, highlighting challenges such as early pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections, and menstrual health issues resulting from gaps in Comprehensive Sexuality Education.

“Being part of this six-month media fellowship has been nothing short of transformational. It shaped me into a stronger multimedia storyteller a voice for change and accountability,” Jacob noted.

He added that the fellowship not only sharpened his skills but also strengthened his conviction that journalism can spark change, restore dignity, and promote justice.

“Your voice matters more than you think. Opportunities like this fellowship don’t come to those who wait, but to those who prepare, practice, and persist. Believe in your craft, chase excellence, and never underestimate the power of your stories,” he advised fellow students.

The graduation ceremony was presided over by Mpidi Abaas, CEO of the Media Challenge Initiative, who commended the fellows for their commitment and resilience.

"We are not just building journalists, we are building a community. A community that will care for each other but also a tribe of journalists who will fight for each other when you see your fellow journalists being attacked," Abaas said.

“This year, we added the apprenticeship programme, which allows fellows to spend time at the hub contributing stories to Switch Africa, strengthening their skills, and working closely with editors in a professional environment,” he said.

This cohort marked the eighth class to graduate from the fellowship programme. During the event, fellows showcased their Public Accountability and Transparency (PAT) stories in an exhibition, demonstrating the impact and depth of their training.

The Media Challenge Fellowship Programme is part of MCI’s broader vision to build a new generation of journalists who are not only multi-skilled but also critical thinkers committed to reshaping communities and challenging negative narratives about Africa.

Picture Credit: Media Challenge Initiative