Kirunda Elected UJA president after rival withdraws from race

By Skika Reporter.

New Vision journalist Emmanuel Kirunda has been elected President of the Uganda Journalists Association (UJA) after his main challenger, Jay Rizik Kalungi Agonzibwa, withdrew from the presidential race.

Kirunda, a former UJA Secretary General, was elected on Saturday, November 7, 2026, during the association’s Annual General Assembly held at its offices in Keti Falawo, Kawempe.

The elections were supervised by lawyer Gilbert Mbonye, who served as the returning officer.

Kirunda’s election followed private consultations between the two candidates after they had presented their respective manifestos. Kalungi subsequently withdrew from the presidential race and was named Vice President.

In his manifesto, Kirunda pledged to strengthen the association, defend press freedom and improve journalists’ welfare and working conditions.

He outlined seven priority areas, including institutional reforms, professional development, stronger partnerships and increased protection for journalists facing threats, arrests and intimidation while carrying out their duties.

Kirunda also cited his involvement in legal efforts challenging the beating of journalists at the United Nations offices in Kololo in 2022, as well as efforts that secured the release of journalist Remmy Asiteza after more than two months in detention.

He pledged to continue supporting journalists whose rights are violated and promote better working conditions across the media industry.

Kalungi, on the other hand, had proposed establishing a Savings and Credit Cooperative Organisation (SACCO) to improve journalists’ financial stability, alongside an emergency medical assistance programme.

She also promised to pursue scholarships for female journalists, mentorship opportunities for young media practitioners and greater unity within the association.

Meanwhile, the assembly elected Ronald Kabuye as Secretary General, Issa Kigongo as Treasurer, Tadeo Damba as Organising Secretary and Rachael Namuli Nakabugo as Secretary for Production.

Daniel Mukisa was elected Secretary for External Relations, while Hakim Mubiru took the position of Secretary for Health and Social Welfare.

In regional representation, Ismail Bategeka was elected to represent Western Uganda, Ivan Keziron Wakibi for Eastern Uganda and Joseph Omagor for Northern Uganda.

The new leadership takes over from the outgoing administration led by Mathias Rukundo at a time when journalists continue to raise concerns over press freedom, professional safety, poor remuneration and limited welfare support in Uganda’s media industry.