FR. MGIMWA SPEAKS OUT

RUAHA University College (RUCo) Principal, Father Cephas Mgimwa has appealed to journalists to adhere to code of conduct for covering the forthcoming general elections in October this year, hence successful democratic process.

The principal was speaking on Thursday when he officiating a three (3) days program for the training of radio journalists in Iringa, that the media should provide fair, balanced and impartial reporting by giving equitable space and airtime to all sides.

According to Father Mgimwa, journalists covering elections must seek the truth and report it precisely and soberly, and they should provide the electorate with information and civic education in a form easily understood to enable them make informed choices.

“Information is power so use that power you have as media with care to avoid chaos during and after elections because when you give wrong information to people they will elect leaders who are not good. ”

“You have to recognize the power that you have as a media that you the power can built or demolish the reputation of the country , so you must do your work ethically hence peace and tranquility and democratic growth,” Father Mgimwa said.

The aim of the training is to enhance and equip journalists who are covering election process to be aware the legal framework on the elections in Tanzania, according to lecturer Ms. Lillian Mongella (Faculty of Law-SAUT).

She said that media like all other stakeholders in the election process, must strictly adhere to the Election Act and understand clearly the Election Expenses Act and regulations, and expose practices that violate it.

The training of radio journalists is a media component of Election Support Project that financed by UNDP and implemented by the Communications department/ Tanzania Episcopal Conference (TEC) and St. Augustine University of Tanzania (SAUT).

The participants of training of radio journalists listening attentively to guest of honour, father Cephas Mgimwa Principal -RUCo in the picture when he was opening the workshop today. 

Father Cephas Mgimwa (C) giving a speech today during the three-day tarining of radio journalists held in Iringa. Looking at him (R) is Lillian Mongella lecturer from SAUT and on the right is Father Salawa.

A cross section of participants of training of radio training follwing the procedings.

The going on training has attracted radio journalists from Southern Highlands Zone, which are Iringa, Mbeya, Ruvuma and Rukwa regions.