Dedicated Broadcasters Shine at Peace Journalism Awards Dinner

U.S. Ambassador to Uganda Jerry Lanier hosted the PJ Awards Dinner last Thursday. The event honored five winners of our peaceful electoral reporting contest. They are: Anyango Yango Catherine Teko--First place, (Moroto)--Pictured--; Lekuru Grace Rechue--Second, (Gulu); Oteebwa Lynnate Rachel--Third, (Kabale); Ojok Emmanuel--honorable mention (Arua), and Alison Blick Akatukwasa --honorable mention (Busenyi).

Ambassador Lanier used the gathering as an opportunity to deliver a diplomatic warning about free press in Uganda. He said that "silencing media does not make them go away", and reiterated the fact that free expression is a fundamental human right. (Pix-Ambassador Lanier addressing the gathering).

I was very proud that the ambassador would agree to host us at his residence, and grateful for his timely comments about free speech and for his kind words about our peace journalism project. It was a wonderful way to cap off 10 months of gratifying, exhausting work. (Pictured-Steven Youngblood and project assistant Gloria Laker).

For a complete photo album from the event, click here.