Media Experts Praise UJOSS, Partners for Training South Sudanese Journalists
By Kidega Livingstone
Media experts have praised the Union of Journalists of South Sudan (UJOSS) and its partners for launching initiatives to train journalists in South Sudan, calling the collaborations crucial for enhancing professional skills and upholding ethical standards in the media sector.
Speaking during the annual Union of Journalists of South Sudan Awards Ceremony in Juba on Thursday, South Sudanese media expert based in the United States, John Tanza, highlighted the difficulties of practicing journalism in the country, noting the many challenges that hinder journalists’ ability to work effectively.
“When we reviewed the submissions for the awards with my fellow experts, we concluded that much more needs to be done aggressively so that all of us are better equipped to do this important work,” said Tanza.
He added: “A journalist is like a farmer: without seeds, tools, and knowledge of crop production, you are not a farmer. The same goes for journalists they need proper tools and training to succeed.”
Several media partners reaffirmed their commitment to supporting journalists in South Sudan despite the challenging environment.
Joyce Maker, Media Rights Officer with the Civil Society Development Programme, said journalism in South Sudan is not easy, but emphasized that Norwegian People’s Aid believes a free and independent media is fundamental to sustainable development.
“Without free and independent media there will be no accountability, and without information there will be no meaningful participation by citizens,” she said.
John Lado Kose, Human Rights Unit Officer with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), said UNMISS will continue to support capacity-building efforts requested by media experts.
“As we go through a series of changes, we hope to continue supporting UJOSS. We have worked for several years with UJOSS and the South Sudan Human Rights Network to ensure journalists are well equipped,” Lado stated.
Jasper Okudi, a representative from UNESCO, underscored the importance of journalism as the cornerstone of a democratic society, noting that in South Sudan the media plays a critical role in informing citizens, strengthening accountability, and supporting peace.
UJOSS and its partners have previously organized multiple training programs aimed at improving journalistic practices, including conflict-sensitive reporting, information literacy, and ethical standards reflecting ongoing efforts to build a stronger and more professional media sector in South Sudan.
