If financial incentives are not reason enough for journalists to dive into the murky waters of politics, one might wonder what else could be. Over the past 15 years (spanning three elective terms), at least 10 to 15 journalists nationwide have quit their jobs to pursue political office.
The newsroom has long served as a fertile ground for political recruitment, with many journalists hanging up their microphones and notebooks to venture into elective politics. In the current parliamentary term, Joel Ssenyonyi and Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda, arguably two of the most prolific and exposed legislators, are prime examples. The latter spent more than three decades as a reporter before transitioning to politics.
One of the most compelling reasons for this career shift is the stark contrast in financial rewards. On average, a Ugandan journalist earns between Shs1m and Shs2.5m monthly, depending on their role. However, freelance journalists, who are paid per story, earn as little as Shs12,000 to Shs150,000 per piece. Radio journalists fare even worse, taking home a meagre Shs3,000 to Shs5,000 per filed copy.
In contrast, a Ugandan legislator earns between Shs24m and Shs30m monthly, in addition to a Shs200m car grant upon assuming office, alongside other allowances and benefits. This represents a staggering 500 percent difference in earnings between the two professions.
If financial incentives are not reason enough for journalists to dive into the murky waters of politics, one might wonder what else could be. Over the past 15 years (spanning three elective terms), at least 10 to 15 journalists nationwide have quit their jobs to pursue political office. However, only five or fewer have successfully made it to Parliament. Those who often excel as legislators, leverage their deep understanding of societal issues, public sentiment, and political processes.
As the election season gains momentum, several journalists across the country have already thrown their hats into the ring. Here are some who are likely to become legislators next year.
Zambali Bulasio Mukasa (NBS)
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