The Union of Journalists in South Sudan (UJOSS) honored 10 journalists with the prestigious Journalism Excellence Awards for 2024 this afternoon.
During the awards ceremony, UJOSS President Patrick Oyet emphasized the importance of recognizing journalistic excellence, noting that such awards motivate journalists to stay focused and specialize in various reporting sectors.
“These awards are a key part of our efforts to encourage journalists to specialize,” Oyet stated. “This year, we are awarding excellence in ten categories, including best stories on culture, human rights, and many others. It is crucial because we believe specialization leads to improved journalism.”
Oyet also highlighted that the recognition of South Sudanese journalists has reached a wider audience this year, with some local reporters winning accolades from the East African region.
“This award is not just a formality; it’s part of our ongoing effort to encourage journalists to specialize and raise the quality of their work,” he said.
Despite the challenges faced by the media sector in South Sudan, including a lack of a vibrant media market and limited funding from advertisements, Oyet stressed the critical role the media plays in the country.
On behalf of the partners, Tanaka Hiroyuki, Chief Representative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) South Sudan office, expressed gratitude for UJOSS’s efforts in advancing the media landscape in South Sudan.
“Today, we once again recognize and applaud the unwavering commitment, resilience, and professionalism of South Sudanese journalists, despite the challenges, including the recent postponement of elections,” Hiroyuki said.
He also acknowledged the journalists’ dedication to providing accurate and balanced reporting, fostering understanding and informed discourse, even in the face of adversity.
