Dr Emilly Comfort Maractho (C) is joined by other officials to launch the 2026 journalism awardsThe African Centre for Media Excellence (ACME) has launched the 2026 Uganda National Journalism Awards (UNJA).Dr Emilly Comfort Maractho, the ACME Board Chairperson said UNJA will happen in 2026.“UNJA must happen. We pledge to always continue improving,” Dr Maractho said at an event held at Fairway Hotel in Kampala on Friday evening.She commended the ACME management team headed by Dr. George William Lugalambi for organizing the awards and recognizing excellent journalism.ACME organizes the awards with the support from the media industry, corporate companies, public sector, non-profit and philanthropic sponsors and partners.According to Dr. Lugalambi, by rewarding excellence, the awards serve as a vital catalyst for industry-wide improvement, setting a benchmark for quality, inspiring and guiding journalists, media practitioners and organizations to aspire to the highest standards.Ismail Musa Ladu, a former winner of the overall awards said it does not come easy.“I have participated in 8 of the 14 awards. My first submission was not shortlisted. It wasn’t a good experience. I tried again. That year, for some reason the wards did not happen. I tried again and got a mention. I tried again and won Economic, Business and Financial reporting,” Ladu said. “Keep trying, trying, and trying. Eventually, if you learn how to win, it becomes easy.”According to Jamila Mulindwa, she never imagined ever winning an award. However, she is the reigning best female journalist 2025. She also previously won an award under the Justice category. “I never thought I would win an award but the confidence has since grown.” She, however, notes that winning awards come with responsibilities, with others asking to be mentored.Former NTV Uganda journalist Josephine Karungi noted that although the awards are good, the industry needs to look into sustainability.“Excellence matters in journalism. What we need now is sustainability in how we communicate/report. So, we believe in excellent journalism,” said Karungi.One of the judges, and veteran journalist, Herbert Oluka said that awards are a badge of honor.“Once you win an award, something comes up. Opportunities come,” said Oluka.He appealed to local partners to support good journalism, warning that the industry risks being overwhelmed by fake news.During the launch, ACME revealed that there will be a new category (East African Award), a move aimed at going regional.Submissions of entries start October 15, 2025, and will end on January 31, 2026.Below are the categories;Arts ReportingSports ReportingEducation ReportingCommunity ReportingPublic Accountability ReportingTraditions and Culture ReportingScience, Technology, and Infrastructure ReportingHealth ReportingReligion ReportingAgriculture ReportingJustice, Law and Security ReportingLand and Human Settlements ReportingEnergy and Extractive Resources ReportingEconomic, Business and Financial ReportingSpecial AwardsSolar Energy in Agriculture ReportingDigital Public Infrastructure ReportingStanbic Shield of Journalism Award (Institutional)Climate Change Reporting (Individual and Institutional)Inspiring Female Journalist AwardCareer Award for Excellence in JournalismRising Star Award for Student JournalismThe post ACME Launches Journalism Awards 2026 As East African Category Introduced appeared first on Business Focus.