KAMPALA, UGANDA — Absa Bank Uganda announced Friday a three-year partnership with Makerere University to equip journalists with skills in financial, business and data-driven reporting. The collaboration aims to transform the media industry.
As part of the partnership, 20 journalists from across the country participated in the 2025 Absa-Makerere Journalism Masterclass at the university. The two-day session was designed to improve the accuracy, depth and clarity of their reporting.
Catherine Kijjagulwe, Absa Bank Uganda’s acting head of markets, said the masterclass gave journalists an opportunity to “enhance their skills and insights from industry experts” and network with peers. She added the initiative aligns with the bank’s “commitment to promoting excellence in various fields.”
Dr. Aisha Nakiwala Sembatya, head of the Makerere University Department of Journalism and Communication, praised Absa Bank for supporting the masterclass, noting it would help ensure excellence in Ugandan journalism.
Billy Bisanga, Absa Bank Uganda’s head of client and digital marketing, who represented the director of marketing and customer experience, said the bank recognizes the role journalists play in “promoting transparency and fostering informed public discourse.” He added that the curriculum was developed to help journalists report on complex economic and financial issues.
“I am hopeful that the participants will deliver more impactful stories that resonate and shape national conversations,” Bisanga said. “In the next three years, we shall train more journalists under this arrangement.”
