Uganda’s leading media institution, UMCAT School of Journalism and Mass Communication last week conducted its 8th edition of the Media and Cultural Gala.
This is one of the biggest events on the institute’s Calendar that brings all students under one roof to muscle in different categories like Photojournalism, Video production, Modeling, News Anchoring and Reporting, Cooking Traditional dishes, Music Dance & Drama.
Competition across all categories wentdown based on the three halls of residence which include BBC House, CNN House and Aljazeera House.
By closure of business, Aljazeera house was crowned the victors, followed by BBC and CNN respectively.
Speaking during the event held on 08th September 2023 at the UMCAT gardens in Bukesa -Kampala, UMCAT Director and Founder Mr. Ogwel Charles said the cultural gala is an open resource for the students to showcase their talent for the world to see.
He added that the world today is looking for something beyond books in order to give one a job.
“Today employers are not only looking for degrees and diploma in order to give you a job, the world is competitive, you an extra skill and talent to be exceptional. And this is the reason we organize this cultural gala to give students an opportunity to shine and show the world what they are made of.” He said.
Ogwel added there is a great number of old students that got to discover there niche and job opportunities through the cultural gala.
The guest of Honor Aisha Alibhai, a seasoned media personality and public relations guru hailed UMCAT management for organizing the a colourful gala citing that competition is a key pillar for talent scouting and skills development.
She implored students to seek volunteering opportunities in different media house before they graduate in order to enhance and master what is being studied in class early enough.
“I want to thank UMCAT for consistency and transforming the media industry. I’m so impressed that majority of the people that have presented today have all it takes to shine in the media industry. My advice is that as you look for jobs, utilize the social media and upload content there, the world is watching, you never know may see your content and what opportunity is may bring.” Alibhai said.
The judges of the day were Mr. Henry Tumwine, a seasoned Media personality and trainer, Ms. Aisha Ahmed the senior Communications officer office of the President diaspora affairs, Mr. Musaasizi Joshua BBS Television news anchor and Mr. Kisembo Antonio the head of training Media Challenge initiative.
Mubulizi Benjamin (BBC House) was crowned Mr UMCAT, followed by Katuma Raymond (Aljazeera House) and Ongula Andrew (CNN House). Other Contestants Mawande Morris (BBC) and Komakech Ronald Moiti (BBC).
Namwase Tracy (CNN House) was crowned Miss UMCAT, followed by Namugere Gloria (BBC House) and Ankunda Sherinah (CNN house), Other Contestants Were Naisonga Maoureen (BBC house and Nankungu Lamula aka Lala from Aljaeera House.
The Ag. Principal Amuge Susan congratulated all participants and urged all the students to work harder ahead of the final contest in Soroti City slated to take place from 27th September – 1ST October 2023.
This quest shall be between all UMCAT Study centers and its upon this that the Mr & Miss UMCAT Uganda shall be picked. UMCAT whose main campus Is in Kampala has study centers in Mbale, Soroti, Gulu and Arua.
