As journalists across Uganda prepare for the 2026 Uganda Journalists Association (UJA) leadership contest, Uwesa Buruhan Siraj has emerged as one of the candidates presenting a platform centred on journalists’ rights, economic empowerment, welfare and a stronger professional media environment.
Uwesa, a journalist, media practitioner and communicator, says his interest in the UJA presidency is driven by the need to build an association that is more responsive to the everyday challenges faced by journalists, both in Kampala and across the country.
His candidature comes at a time when questions about journalists’ safety, working conditions, professional development and economic security continue to attract attention within Uganda’s media sector.
Putting Journalists’ Rights at the Centre
One of the major pillars of Uwesa’s platform is the protection and promotion of journalists’ rights.
He says UJA should have a stronger voice whenever journalists face threats, intimidation, arrests, harassment or other challenges related to their work. His proposed approach includes engaging relevant government institutions, security agencies and other stakeholders while advocating for media freedom and journalists’ access to information.
For Uwesa, the association should not only react after journalists have been harmed but should also develop mechanisms that enable members to access legal and professional support when they encounter difficulties.
UJA SACCO and Economic Empowerment
Another major component of his proposed agenda is the establishment and strengthening of a professionally managed UJA SACCO.
Uwesa argues that journalists need economic empowerment alongside advocacy. He envisions a SACCO that can provide members with opportunities to save, access affordable credit and improve their financial literacy.
The proposal is based on the argument that financially empowered journalists may be better positioned to withstand economic pressures within the media industry.
He has also highlighted the importance of transparent management, regular communication with members and partnerships capable of expanding the SACCO’s financial base.
Creating a Better Press Environment
Uwesa also wants UJA to play a more active role in advocating for a conducive environment for journalism.
His platform calls for engagement around policies affecting journalists and media organisations while promoting responsible journalism, professional ethics and self-regulation.
The candidate says press freedom and professional responsibility should complement each other, arguing that journalists require an environment where they can perform their duties without unnecessary restrictions while maintaining the standards expected of the profession.
Welfare, Safety and Working Conditions
Journalists’ welfare is another area Uwesa has placed prominently on his agenda.
His proposed priorities include advocating for fair remuneration, timely payment, decent working conditions and improved occupational safety.
He has also pointed to the challenges faced by journalists working in high-risk environments and in regions outside Kampala, where access to professional resources and support can sometimes be limited.
His platform proposes stronger welfare mechanisms and emergency assistance for journalists facing serious hardship.
Professional Development
Uwesa’s programme also places emphasis on continuous training.
He proposes greater opportunities for journalists to develop skills in digital journalism, investigative reporting, data journalism, artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies.
He also supports mentorship programmes for young journalists and career-development opportunities that can help members remain competitive as the media industry continues to change.
Unity and Accountability
Beyond individual programmes, Uwesa says he wants UJA to become more inclusive, bringing together journalists regardless of their region, age, gender, employer or working arrangement.
He also proposes stronger transparency in the management of the association, including open reporting, prudent financial management and measurable results.
His message is built around the idea that UJA should be an institution that serves journalists rather than one that is distant from their daily concerns.
Why His Candidature Is Attracting Attention
What makes Uwesa’s candidature notable is the combination of advocacy and economic empowerment in his proposed agenda. Rather than focusing exclusively on press freedom, his platform links journalists’ rights with welfare, financial security, professional training and institutional accountability.
However, as with any candidate, the success of his proposals would ultimately depend on implementation, available resources and the support of UJA members and stakeholders.
For now, Uwesa Buruhan Siraj is presenting himself as a candidate who wants to move the association toward what he describes as a stronger, more united and professionally empowered journalism community.
His candidature statement is ultimately built around a simple proposition: that UJA should be a stronger voice for journalists, a platform for their economic advancement and an institution capable of defending their professional interests.
As the 2026 UJA contest takes shape, journalists will ultimately have the opportunity to assess Uwesa’s proposals alongside those of other candidates and determine which vision best addresses the challenges facing Uganda’s media fraternity.
