Makerere University’s Journalism and Communication department is considering an additional course onto the curriculum to equip students with professional safety and security tips. The revelation was made by Dr. Ivan Lukanda, a lecturer and projects coordinator in the department.

He made the remarks while flagging off a 4-day webinar organized by Makerere University in partnership with Oslo Metropolitan University (OSLOMET). Dr Lukanda says this will equip journalists with skills on how to guard against cyber insecurity and other physical attacks which journalists often face.

‘’The department is considering adding journalism security and safety course in the curriculum starting the next academic year. We hope this shall impart security survival knowledge in students,’’ Dr Lukanda said.

Clare Muhindo, an online content producer with African Centre of Media Excellence (ACME) explained that cyber insecurity usually manifests in the form of hacking, forgery, creating violent contents, which are always intended to defame journalists and confuse the masses.

Muhindo further cautioned journalists to be at the top of their game in order to be secured, and to protect their information from hackers who may thwart their career. “Most journalists lack digital security skills; as a result, many are always victims. It is vital as journalists to be equipped these secrets,“ she said.

The former Daily Monitor and New vision writer also advised the students to always have strong passwords for their social media handles and often change them frequently. She also cautioned them on clicking on suspicious links, downloading unfamiliar files, as these are common ways through which fraudsters always obtain sensitive information from people.

“I am glad students can learn something extra out of class. In class, such issues are given little attention. We have been craving for such sessions and I am happy that here is one, hoping we have many more,” Nickson Maberi, the vice president of the Makerere University Journalism and Communication Students’ Association said.

The webinar is centered on educating journalism and communication students on safety and the security of journalists while they practice. The webinar that started on Monday 7^th March 2022 will run for four days until Thursday 10^th March 2022.