By Kemiso Wessie
As a senior lecturer at the Multimedia University of Kenya and the Associate Dean of the Faculty of Media & Communication Studies, Professor Wilson Ugangu has dedicated the past 20 years of his career to researching issues related to communication access, covering conflicts in Africa and shaping the next generation of media practitioners.
Born and raised in the town of Vihiga on the eastern side of Kenya’s Kakamega Forest, Ugangu jokingly recalls, “I walked six kilometres to and from school every day until university.” His early education led him to Moi University, where he earned a Bachelor of Education in English and Literature and was a high school English teacher in the early 1990s.
After completing a diploma in mass communications at the University of Nairobi, Ugangu served as an information assistant for the United Nations’ World Food Programme and various other non-profit organisations. Ugangu’s path to media studies was driven by his belief that “Information is essential,” and he has been part of the Multimedia University of Kenya’s media communications department since 2011.
As an educator, Professor Ugangu is committed to ensuring that the curriculum remains relevant and responsive to the evolving needs of the industry with the welcoming of media practitioners as adjunct professors, regular curriculum reviews, newsroom visits and assessed internships. When asked about the qualities that make a good journalist, Professor Ugangu highlights several key attributes: “A good journalist is someone who is willing to learn, flexible, innovative, and inquisitive. They must ask questions and be keen observers of trends and issues around them,” he says. Additionally, they should be knowledgeable about current issues, including politics, culture, and technology.
Ugangu advises aspirant media practitioners to acknowledge the critical role of technology in the industry in contemporary times. He encourages them to be well-versed in available media platforms, and interrogate ways of adapting to changing technologies and audience needs. “Traditional media is struggling under the economy, and younger people might not get jobs in these spaces. They have to find innovative ways [of working] that are easier to manage and also create [income],” advises Professor Ugangu.
Although technology will always remain a challenge due to constant changes and developments and how it changes society, Prof Ugangu says “It’s crucial to anticipate changes regarding information and how it is consumed to stay relevant.” While technology evolves, the traditional question of societal needs remains and journalists should remain true to their role as the “watchdogs of society” despite the challenges accompanying it. He also emphasises the importance of finding new ways of remaining relevant and useful to the society journalism serves, such as using local languages in Africa to make news accessible to a broader audience, for which he commends radio’s success.
Professor Ugangu’s research interests in media and conflict studies stem from a recognition of the pivotal role media plays in shaping narratives and perceptions. When discussing the ethical considerations that media professionals should keep in mind when reporting on conflicts and sensitive issues, Professor Ugangu advises: “Be sensitive and ensure verification. Don’t rely on single sources; more than one is important for credibility. Accuracy is crucial, don’t fall for the trap of misinformation especially online. Credibility is essential, be aware of the dangers of misinformation and disinformation.”
Outside of academia, Ugangu enjoys a range of activities that keep him both mentally and physically active. He is an avid reader, enjoys physical activities such as going to the gym and running, and has a passion for long-distance driving to visit friends and family and seeing places from his past. Given the opportunity, Professor Ugangu would love to have dinner with a trio of leaders which include: the late President of South Africa, Nelson Mandela; former President of the United States, Barack Obama; and President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda.
When asked about his choice of superpower, Professor Ugangu expresses a desire for financial resources akin to Gotham’s Batman. His reasons, however, are rooted in the service of the less fortunate rather than access to high-tech crime-fighting gadgets. “I would like the means to help people who need it,” he adds. He would focus on helping those in need by addressing economic challenges and providing essentials like housing, education, and food for those who need help.
Ugangu shares that the most memorable piece of advice he has ever received came from his mother, who told him, “Give it time.” He explains, “With time, you will figure it out. Whatever challenges or conflicts you’re facing, you’ll find the solution.” It would be good to embrace this adage when thinking about the modern media industry and the future of journalism education in Africa.