The Uganda Law Society has honoured journalist Dorothy Doreen Nalumansi for her courageous coverage of the 2026 general elections during its 13th RNB Live public engagement commemorating World Press Freedom Day.
The event was held on May 7th, 2026, at ULS House Plot 5A John Babiiha Road.
Nalumansi, a senior political reporter and head of digital at Newswift Publications spent more than 120 days embedded with the National Unity Platform presidential campaign team.
She faced repeated intimidation harassment and threats while delivering impactful print and audiovisual stories.
CEO and husband Derrick Wandera praised her resilience.
“Dorothy stood out in the way she did her work. She was very consultative. She was always seeking advice from us” he said.
Nalumansi told the gathering it was passion that kept her going.
“It’s the passion for journalism that keeps me going. Amidst the intimidation, the violations, it’s the passion for journalism that keeps me going,” she said urging more female journalists into the field.
“We need as many female journalists as possible. Sometimes there are places a male may not be able to access but it will be easy for a female journalist,” Nalumansi added.
ULS Head of Rule of Law Apio Afrua reaffirmed the Society’s commitment to media freedom stating a free independent and safe media is critical to the protection of human rights and the promotion of accountability.
International lawyer Peter Bernhardt placed the event in broader African context warning that societies lose freedom gradually when journalists begin to self-censor.
Irene Abalo of AfriMedia Training Institute highlighted security fears and domestic pressures that deter many women from frontline reporting.
Acting Secretary Ssali Babu in closing remarks described the recognition as a stepping stone.
“This should give you the courage and should push you forward because a recognition is not one to push you into retirement but one that gives you zeal commitment courage to actually push more,” Babu said.
The event featured panel discussions on press freedom human rights and the role of women in journalism.
