Through the Media Awards, NBI, GWPEA and other partners (GIZ, Nile Basin Discourse) seek to recognize journalists for outstanding reporting on issues surrounding the Nile cooperation, Nile Basin as well as inspire increased factual and accurate reporting on these issues, were in two categories: radio and print.
In the radio category, Ms. SeciliaNdabigeze from Tanzania received an award for Best Radio Programme. In her feature, she embarked on a journey in the Nile Basin region to find out what the different countries were doing to overcome the problem of water hyacinth on Lake Victoria. Judges commended the feature for the structure and coverage of wide range of views, which consolidated the message.
Gerald Tenywa, from Uganda, collected the award for best story in the print category for an article titled “River erosion: Uganda losing land to Congo.” The article explored how lack of a plan for sustainable development has caused the people of Ntoroko district in western Uganda to be at war with River Semliki. The judging panel applauded the topic, which addressed multi-dimensional aspects including human, economic and environmental views. The 1st runner-up prize in the radio category went to ClaverHakizimana from Burundi while Mona AbdelhalimEidSewilam from Egypt was crowned 1st runner up in the print category.
The Executive Director of the NBI Secretariat, John RaoNyaoro, HSC said that engaging the media, keeping them informed through robust communication and participation has been given due emphasis as one of the building blocks of NBI.
GWPEA Regional Coordinator, Safari Patrick, stressed that one of the GWP strategic goal is sharing information and knowledge and GWPEA values its partnership with the media to promote water security and climate resilience in the region.
The special event was witnessed by Ministers in charge of Water Affairs in the Nile Basin countries, Members of the Nile Technical Advisory Committee, representatives of Development Partners, among others.