By Our Online Team

6^th August 2012:

Britain’s Cabinet Minister for Africa Henry Bellingham welcomed two winners of the David Astor Journalism Awards to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office last week.

Journalists Yasiin Mugerwa from Uganda and Kenfrey Kiberenge from Kenya have spent the last eight weeks working at some of the most well known newspapers in the UK, including The Times, The Independent and The Observer.

The David Astor Awards support the development of journalistic excellence in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania by providing scholarship opportunities to the next generation of journalists. As well as providing an invaluable learning opportunity, the awards help to build a network of the best and brightest journalists across Africa – creating a firm foundation for the future of news media on the continent.

Yasiin Mugerwa has been the Chief Parliamentary reporter at the Daily Monitor since 2006, while Kenfrey Kiberenge has been a journalist since 2008, during which time he worked for Kenyan newspapers The People’s Daily, The Daily Metro, and The Standard.

Both Kenya and Uganda have a vibrant and active media, although some journalists continue to face serious challenges. Many journalists have also fled to Uganda and Kenya from neighbouring states, such as Somalia and Rwanda, because of the threat of intimidation and violence.

Mr Bellingham said the UK strongly believes that freedom of expression is a universal human right and that the press must be allowed to operate free of undue interference.  “…This is why we will continue to press governments to ensure they meet their international obligations to protect the rights of the press to operate freely.” Bellingham said.

Kenfrey and Yasiin are said to have demonstrated an impressive grasp of the key issues affecting both their countries and also had a keen interest in the UK’s engagement in the region.

Speaking after the meeting, Mr Bellingham said:

“…I was pleased to meet these two exceptional young journalists who are already contributing to good governance and transparency in their respective countries.  Quality journalism is essential for the success of any democratic society and carries with it enormous responsibilities.”

He added emphasised that a free, active, and professional media informs and empowers citizens to hold their governments to account.  END.  Login to www.ugandacorrespondent.com every Monday to read our top stories mid-week for our updates

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