Ugandan journalist Nancy Kacungira with a background as an entrepreneur, radio, TV and radio presenter has won the first BBC World News Komla Dumor Award. The Award was established as a result of an effort by the network to honour the legacy of Komla Dumor – a highly respected African journalist – who sadly lost his life last year. He was well known for his determination to tell the African story from the African perspective, which characterizes the key eligibility criteria of the award. This is above and beyond the criteria of having strong journalism skills and on air flair.
Looking at the recipient of this award it is easy to see why she won it. She looks and sounds undeniably African, where in an industry all the top female journalists strive to present themselves as Western. Nancy was born and raised in Tanzania to Ugandan parents before moving back to her home country for her General Certificate of Education (Ordinary Level) and General Certificate of Education (Advanced level). Once finished with high school, she earned a degree in Industrial and Fine Art at Makerere University, which was followed by a Master’s degree in Communication at Leeds University. She managed to wow the judges with her deep understanding of current affairs in Africa beating almost 200 journalists who were up for the award. One of the benefits of the award is training at the BBC World Service which Nancy has already begun. Prior to this she worked at KTN as a news anchor and social media editor. She embodies what it means to be young, ambitious, intelligent and African. This endears her to audiences, she has that ‘x-factor’ that you can’t really put your finger on.
When it comes down to it, like most things in life, we have to ask ourselves what does it all mean? Nancy Kacungira represents the new “African dream,” studying abroad and then coming back to the motherland to put that knowledge to work. Komla Dumor epitomised the importance of defining the African narrative as our stature grows in the international community. Blending these two different directions together will undoubtedly ensure that this and all future African generations understand the news stories across the continent.
Congratulations Nancy, we at Inspire Afrika wish you all the best.
Source: BBC World News
Photo Credits: Jambonewspot.com, BBC.com
