Peter Kabi (left) with Ochol. PHOTO BY ISAAC SSEJJOMBWE
The NTV reporter met his fan Peter Kabi, a businessman and an upcoming musician as well, and the two talked journalism
Who is Maurice Ochol?
I would describe him as a simple and down to earth adventurous person who loves making friends.
How old are you?
I was born on May 2, 1985, which makes me 28 years old.
Where did you do journalism from?
I did my journalism course at United Media Trainers and Consultants school of Journalism and Mass Communication (Umcat) in 2007 and later went to Cavendish University for a Bachelors of International Relations and Diplomacy.
Why did you switch from NBS TV to NTV?
NTV approached me after I had worked at NBS for seven months. It was one opportunity I could not let pass by because it is one TV station anyone would love to work for. This is my sixth year at NTV.
For how long have you been reporting?
I have been in the field of reporting for seven years now.
What has been your most interesting moment as a reporter?
Since I love adventuring, I would consider my trip to Tanzania (Dar el salaam) as my best so far because I did a documentary for our Connect segment about Tanzania. I did my own filming and I enjoyed everything about it, climbing tall buildings, visiting ancient sites and so on. It was basically a good experience and some nice piece of work by me.
And your worst experience?
My worst experience was the 2011 Presidential elections. I was deployed to cover the five districts of Busoga and my first nightmare was my money getting stolen. Towards the end of the elections, ruckus broke out and before I knew it, Police had started firing tear gas making me one of the victims. Just imagine getting teargased at 8pm.
What has reporting done for you so far in your life?
Well quite a lot. I’ve met quite a number of people I never knew I would ever meet, for example presidents, ministers, ambassadors and many more. I have made so many friends through news reporting and I have matured career wise.
I heard news reporters are underpaid in Uganda. How true or false is that?
To some extent, it’s true especially looking at the work we do. Our counterparts in countries like neighbouring Kenya earn way higher than most of us in Uganda, that is why everyone who gets the chance goes there.
Would you leave NTV for another station if they approached you?
It would depend on the station. If it’s ABC or Sky News, why not give it a try?
