Impact Of Citizen Journalism On Professionalism In Uganda, A Case Study Of Community Media, Kampala Town Council

The study on the “Impact of citizen journalism on professionalism in Uganda, a case study of community media, Kampala town council with specific objectives to; To examine the role of citizen Journalism versus professionalism in community media, Kampala town council, examine the challenges face by journalists in trying to tight political violence in community media, Kampala town council and, suggest possible solutions to the challenges experienced by journalists in curbing political violence in community media, Kampala town council. A review of related literature was carried out on already existing information on the specific aims of this paper as a way of comprehending the problem and enriching and supplementing the study findings. This was through quantitative and qualitative research designs under which questionnaires and interviews administered to a sample of 60 respondents who were purposively selected. It was established that, journalists play an important role in addressing political violence by preventing against human rights abuse, raising awareness of people’s political rights and fighting for the freedom of political parties. However, in the due course, to address political violence, they experience challenges such as imprisonment, manhandling and loss of equipment, unconstitutional censoring and closure of media centers to which the solutions were suggested to include allowing for the independence of the journalists, The study concluded that although journalists have an ability to raise political awareness in the community as well as address violence, they are challenged in their work however this can be improved upon ifthe recommendations in this study are adopted. The study recommends; strengthening media to promote ethics; regulating content issues to address policy; harmonize the legal framework of journalists; establish universal access funds to support outreach; regulate entertainment; address cross ownership and content issues; expand quality and the quantity of research as well as disseminate research findings.