Participants during a Civil Society Organisations and journalists training workshop on embracing online media to facilitate their work held at Navigators of Development Association (NAVODA) offices in Hoima City in February 2024. (Image: Kazi-njema News)
“Embracing the new media is good for Civil Society Organisations to improve their advocacy campaigns and also to be able to get funding for their activities,” says Ms Ruth Nagudi.
Ms Nagudi who is a Project Officer at Media Focus on Africa in the Department of Communications and Media Development, emphasises that the new media that is basically online will help Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) to pass out information at their freedom and at minimal costs compared to dependence on traditional media.
She was speaking to Kazi-njema radio on the sidelines of her engagement with members of the CSOs and the media on the use of online communication channels to spread information for their communities to develop.
Ms Nagudi warned the youths against unprofitable use of social media channels like Facebook, X and YouTube yet they could be used to participate in economic development and address issues of concern in their community.
“Many CSOs are doing a good work but it is not noticed but with online, one can share testimonies and be able to be noticed and attract funding so that the organisation is able to navigate through the increasing shrinking civic space and funding shortfalls,” she said.
Predicting the future, the Project Officer said traditional media and new media are so far interdependent and may move together for a time.
Ms Nagudi, however, cautioned all online platform users to avoid misinformation and disinformation through double verification of information before sharing.
Audio: Nagudi on new media for CSOs and traditional media (English)
Mr Yahya Byarufu, one of the human rights activists who attended the workshop, welcomed the initiative urging the media to always pay attention to governance issues.
The Media Focus on Africa had their first training at the office of NAVODA on Kyabaheesi Road, Kasiiingo Ward in Hoima city.
