Odoobo C. Bichachi

Uganda

Public Editor at Daily Monitor

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Articles

Journalists, influencers should find a mid-point

1 week ago | monitor.co.ug | Odoobo C. Bichachi

In my recent column, “Social media: From creation to curation” (Daily Monitor, March 28), I shared thoughts about an emerging group of influencers stepping yet again in “traditional” journalism territory – crime features. I singled out two particular one operating on X (Twitter) namely; Mukyala Wandera in Uganda and Don Bull in Kenya. My counsel was, journalists – especially crime reporters – need to pay attention.
From Yaka to Light,faces of power rates

2 weeks ago | monitor.co.ug | Odoobo C. Bichachi

The big news this week was a “first” one in Uganda: the “‘peaceful’ transfer of power”. Only that it was from Umeme Ltd to Uganda Electricity Distribution Company (UEDCL) as Daily Monitor reported tongue-in-cheek (see, Umeme hands over power peacefully, April 1). Beyond the “power transfer”, there were conversations on social media and over the radio shows about the simultaneous change of the name of the mobile money electricity recharge platform from “Yaka” [of Umeme] to “Light” [of UEDCL].
Social media: From creation to curation

3 weeks ago | monitor.co.ug | Odoobo C. Bichachi

Social media is one of the most dynamic public spaces today, thanks to the constant innovations in information communications technology (ICT). For journalism, social media has not only altered the way we consume news and information but what stories we consume and who produces them. The most popular social media platforms today include; Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, X (Twitter), etc.
Who wins, loses when media stops coverage?

1 month ago | monitor.co.ug | Odoobo C. Bichachi

This week, I dedicate this column to direct feedback from you, our audiences, starting with the query on Uganda's mainstream media’s expressed blackout on sections of the security establishment following the ugly attack on journalists during last week’s by-election in Kawempe Division, Kampala. Chemonges, Bugiri: I read in the newspapers last week that you have declared a press blackout on security-related issues due to the unfortunate scenes prior to and during the Kawempe by-elections.
Don’t simply tell the story, break it down

1 month ago | monitor.co.ug | Odoobo C. Bichachi

When you read a newspaper, listen to radio or watch television bulletins, you are consuming stories put together for you by journalists. Whether the stories are simply told, or are “broken down” determine will largely your level of satisfaction with them and whether they were worth your time and money. Similarly for journalists, whether stories are simply told or “broken down” reflects the level of back-end engagement with them before they are passed on to the public. Sound like splitting hairs?
Good time to report on climate change is now

2 months ago | monitor.co.ug | Odoobo C. Bichachi

Last week, I wrote in this column about the seemingly inconspicuous passage of World Radio Day on February 13. My sentiments were based on the lack of mention of this important day by the main English language FM radio stations in Kampala (see, “When radios forget World Radio Day!” Daily Monitor, February 14). Thankfully, I was wrong.
Orphan content syndrome puts off readers/viewers

2 months ago | monitor.co.ug | Odoobo C. Bichachi

On January 28, Mr Ojuluna Peter Thomas, a fervent consumer of NMG-Uganda platforms and who regularly shares feedback with the public editor, sent the following note: “What came of this story? I saw the truck in Entebbe with Ampurire. How was it ‘recovered’ and reunited with her? We would love to know that part of the story. Thank you.” The story in question titled, “Night Ampurire’s car goes missing, MTN speaks”, was aired on NTV on January 20.
Video news still holds sway

Jan 17, 2025 | monitor.co.ug | Odoobo C. Bichachi

Last year, the number of people in different parts of the world who avoid news or have succumbed to news fatigue reached an all-time high. According to the Reuters Institute’s digital report released in June 2024, “Around four in 10 (39 percent) now say they sometimes or often avoid the news – up 3 percentage points on [previous] year’s average”.
Will the 2025 award go to news influencers or the journalists?

Jan 9, 2025 | monitor.co.ug | Odoobo C. Bichachi

At the beginning of every year, we all make our wishes and predictions for the year ahead. As they say, wishes are not horses; otherwise, everyone would ride one. The same goes for predictions; sometimes, they come to pass, and sometimes, they never do. Regardless, these are always good guides as we take on the New Year.
Reporting MPs fist fight in Parliament

Nov 7, 2024 | monitor.co.ug | Odoobo C. Bichachi

Politics and violence in emerging or pseudo-democracies is often intertwined and in Africa, it takes many forms. There is violence by politicians against members of the public (supporters of different sides). There is violence between supporters of different political groups. There is violence by security forces against civilians, usually opponents of the incumbent. Then there is violence of politicians directly against each other.