Kirunda elected new UJA president as Kalungi steps down for unity.
By Okidi Patrick
Kampala-New Vision journalist Emmanuel Kirunda has been elected president of the Uganda Journalists Association (UJA), replacing Mathias Rukundo.
Kirunda, the outgoing UJA Secretary General, was elected during the association’s Annual General Assembly held on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at its offices in Keti Falawo, Kawempe.
The elections were presided over by renowned advocate Gilbert Mbonye, who served as returning officer.
Kirunda’s election followed the withdrawal of his main challenger, Jay Rizik Kalungi Agonzibwa of Vision Group, after the two candidates were asked to hold discussions on the way forward.
Following the withdrawal, Kalungi was declared Vice President, a position that had remained unfilled.
New leadership
Other members elected to the new leadership include Kabuye Ronald as Secretary General, Kigongo Issa as Treasurer, Damba Tadeo as Organising Secretary, and Rachael Namuli Nakabugo as Secretary for Production.
Mukisa Daniel was elected Secretary for External Relations, while Mubiru Hakim took the position of Secretary for Health and Social Welfare.
Regional representatives elected are Ismail Bategeka for Western Uganda, Ivan Keziron Wakibi for Eastern Uganda, and Joseph Omagor for Northern Uganda.
Kalungi’s manifesto
Before the presidential election, both candidates presented their manifestos.
Kalungi emphasised journalists’ economic welfare, financial security, unity and inclusion.
She proposed the establishment of a Savings and Credit Cooperative Organisation (SACCO) to enable journalists to access affordable loans at lower interest rates.
She argued that journalists deserved an organised financial support system similar to those enjoyed by professionals in other sectors.
Kalungi also pledged to establish a support mechanism for journalists facing medical emergencies, advocate for scholarships for female journalists, and promote mentorship for young practitioners.
On unity, she said UJA should operate as a family rather than a political organisation.
Kirunda’s manifesto
Kirunda campaigned on institutional reorganisation, press freedom, journalists’ safety, economic rights, unity and professional development.
He outlined seven key priorities, starting with reorganising UJA and revitalising its existing initiatives.
On press freedom, Kirunda recalled the 2022 court petition filed after journalists were beaten at the United Nations offices in Kololo, saying he was among those who challenged the Attorney General and eight military officers over the attacks.
He described the resulting court decision, which declared the beating of journalists on duty unconstitutional, as a major achievement for press freedom.
Kirunda also cited his role in securing the release of journalist Remmy Asiteza, who had spent more than two months in detention.
He pledged to continue defending journalists facing arrest, detention and intimidation.
He also argued that press freedom should include journalists’ economic rights, particularly fair remuneration and better working conditions.
His other priorities included empowering journalists to occupy online spaces, promoting unity through the World Press Freedom Day Media Football Sports Gala, expanding partnerships and strengthening professional development.
He pledged to extend the sports gala to other regions and attract more development partners to support UJA programmes.
After the presentations, returning officer Mbonye asked the two candidates to hold a brief five-minute meeting to agree on the way forward.
Upon their return, Mbonye announced that Kalungi had agreed to withdraw, paving the way for Kirunda to take over the leadership.
About the Author
