Teso-based journalists under their umbrella association, Teso Journalists for Community Empowerment (TEJFOCE), have petitioned State House to conduct an audit into the alleged mismanagement of UGX 50 million previously donated to journalists in the sub-region.
The group is also appealing to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to channel all future support directly through TEJFOCE, citing accountability and inclusiveness concerns within another faction, the Teso Media Initiative for Development (TEMID).
In a petition signed by more than three-quarters of journalists from the Teso sub-region, TEJFOCE expressed gratitude to President Museveni for his continued support toward empowering journalists and for successfully concluding his campaign tour in Teso.
The President had earlier pledged a donation of UGX 100 million, a van, and other resources to support journalists’ welfare and media development in the region.
The petition, addressed to the Office of the President, applauds Museveni’s commitment to community transformation and inclusiveness but raises concerns about how previous funds intended for journalists were handled.
“We are especially grateful for the President’s generous pledge in support of Teso journalists, including UGX 100 million, a van, sheep, and other resources,” the petition reads. “However, we respectfully request that this support be channeled directly through TEJFOCE, which is a widely representative and inclusive umbrella association, rather than through TEMID.”
The journalists allege that the leadership of TEMID failed to provide accountability for UGX 50 million previously donated by the Vice President, Rt. Maj. Jessica Alupo, to journalists in Teso.
TEJFOCE asserts that while TEMID comprises roughly 15 members, the former represents over 100 active journalists working across the eight districts of the Teso sub-region.
The group notes that even among TEMID’s limited membership, many are already part of TEJFOCE, which they say demonstrates the latter’s broader legitimacy and inclusiveness.
“Fifteen members of TEMID, including its Chairperson, are also members of TEJFOCE,” the petition clarifies. “Therefore, it would be fair and beneficial to the entire media community if the President’s pledge is implemented through TEJFOCE, which reflects the true diversity of journalists in Teso.”
Speaking in a separate statement issued on Thursday morning, TEJFOCE Chairperson Mr. Emmanuel Opio commended President Museveni and the NRM campaign team for successfully concluding the presidential campaign in Teso peacefully.
“We wish to applaud His Excellency President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for finalizing his campaign tour in Teso. It was a peaceful and professionally achieved activity, despite attempted distractions by self-centered colleagues,” Opio said.
He urged journalists to remain steadfast, united, and focused on their core mission of shaping narratives that promote development and positive transformation in the region.
“Journalism is for positive change in our communities. I encourage you to uphold the same principles of integrity and professionalism that define our work. There is power in unity, and together we can transform Teso,” he emphasized.
Opio also called upon journalists to stay grounded in their faith and values, especially during the politically charged campaign season, warning against individuals attempting to sow division within the media fraternity for personal gain.
“Let us remain strong and grounded in God, who protects and guides our consciousness. We must resist ill-mannered characters trying to divide us for their selfish interests,” Opio said.
The petition marks a significant moment for Teso’s media community, highlighting a growing call for transparency, unity, and credible leadership within local journalist associations.
As of press time, State House had not yet responded to the petition, though sources within the Office of the President indicated that the matter would be reviewed as part of the ongoing engagement with regional media associations.
The TEJFOCE leadership expressed optimism that the President’s continued goodwill toward journalists would help strengthen professionalism and improve working conditions for media practitioners in Teso and across Uganda.
“We believe that with transparency and unity, this support will go a long way in empowering journalists to serve their communities better and uphold the values of patriotism, truth, and development,” the statement concluded.
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