The Union of Journalists of South Sudan (UJOSS) has taken a significant step to enhance the capacity of its members ahead of the general elections expected in December 2026. With support from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), UJOSS has distributed 26 audio recorders to its branches across the country. This initiative aims to provide journalists with essential tools to carry out their work effectively, particularly in a critical period when the country is anticipating its first democratic elections.
UJOSS Secretary General Majak Daniel Kuany announced that the equipment was handed over to all 10 states and three administrative areas on September 17. He emphasized that the recorders would be made available to journalists facing difficulties accessing basic reporting tools. According to Kuany, this support is crucial, especially during this critical time when the country is preparing for its first democratic elections.
The distribution of recording equipment is expected to address a significant challenge faced by journalists in various parts of the country. James Opiny, a representative of the UJOSS office in Torit, highlighted that some local radio stations in Eastern Equatoria State faced shortages of recording equipment. For instance, he cited 37.5 FM, which had only one recorder. Opiny expressed hope that the new equipment would help other radio stations in the state to do their work effectively.
The UJOSS coordinator in Western Equatoria State, Christopher Ganico, welcomed the distribution, saying that a lack of equipment had been a significant challenge for journalists in the state. Ganico thanked the union’s leadership for providing the recording devices, which he believes will enable journalists to carry out their work more effectively. This sentiment was echoed by other journalists who see this support as a vital boost to their work.
The support from JICA and the initiative by UJOSS reflect a broader effort to strengthen the media landscape in South Sudan. By providing journalists with essential tools, UJOSS aims to promote professional and ethical journalism practices. This is particularly important in the context of the upcoming elections, where the role of the media is expected to be critical in disseminating information to the public.
UJOSS has encouraged journalists facing difficulties accessing basic reporting tools to reach out to the union’s coordinators and secretaries general for assistance. The union’s leadership has expressed commitment to supporting its members in carrying out their work ethically and professionally. With the distribution of these recorders, UJOSS has taken a significant step towards empowering journalists and enhancing the quality of journalism in South Sudan.
The distribution of recording equipment by UJOSS is a positive development for the media sector in South Sudan. As the country prepares for its first democratic elections, such initiatives are crucial in ensuring that journalists have the necessary tools to report effectively. This support is expected to have a positive impact on the quality of journalism and the dissemination of information to the public.
Key points
- UJOSS distributes 26 audio recorders to its branches across South Sudan with support from JICA.
- The equipment aims to address a significant challenge faced by journalists in various parts of the country.
- The initiative reflects a broader effort to strengthen the media landscape in South Sudan ahead of the general elections.
