Uganda Science Journalists Association (USJA)

The Uganda Science Journalists Association (USJA) is a forum of journalists, scientists and researchers working to develop science communication in Uganda. It is non-governmental, non-profit making organization. The USJA membership comprises individuals and organizations in different fields of science and communication.

VISION: A Ugandan community that is conscious of science and is able to benefit from and transfer scientific knowledge to other communities and generations.

MISSION: Simplify scientific information and make science popular among Ugandans

OBJECTIVES: To enhance the quality of reporting of Science through providing journalists and scientists with training opportunities in science communication;
To provide a forum through which scientists and journalists can discuss the development of science in the World in general and in Uganda in particular;
To provide a professional link for journalists and scientists;
To carry out programmes that will make science popular among students at different academic levels

AFFILIATION: The USJA is a member of the World Federation of Science Journalists

HISTORY: The USJA was founded in November 2005 when science journalists gathered at the Farmers' Media Centre in Kampala to discuss the Bird flu epidemic that was spreading fast around the world. During the meeting, convened by veteran journalist Patrick Luganda and Dr Thomas Egwang of the Med Biotec Laboratories, the journalists felt they needed a forum through which they would discuss matters of science with scientists. This would help them improve their reporting of science and subsequently benefit the general public.

An interim executive committee was elected to steer the establishment of the association. It Included: William Odinga Balikuddembe (Chairperson), Sarah Zawedde (Vice chairperson) and Samuel Wossita (General Secretary).