As the global population continues to surge, the need to address the growing demand and energy use in an environmentally conscious manner is increasingly becoming critical. Globally, burning fossil fuels is the major driver of climate change. Yet many still rely on the “dirty energy” to meet their demands. Meanwhile, in some communities, huge swathes of forests are being slashed down for wood fuel or charcoal. This practice has scrambled the local weather patterns, or rainfall cycles, thus making it tough for farming communities that heavily rely on rain-fed agriculture to grow crops sustainably.
The situation is not any different in Uganda where sustainable use of energy remains a sticky issue. The controversial mega oil project known as the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) is one example. The “carbon bomb,” scientists warn, will endanger areas of critical biodiversity and lead to 379 million metric tons of carbon emissions —more than 25 times the annual emissions of Uganda and Tanzania combined. This goes against the Paris Agreement that aims to prevent global temperatures from rising above 1.5 degrees Celsius.
But the government says its Transition Plan will avert all this, adding it will ensure “universal access to modern energy and power the country’s economic transformation sustainably and securely.” Add to that, it also banned the commercial production of charcoal to save depleting forests and fragile ecosystems. Will these policies work?
It is against this background that NUMEC, with support from the 11th Hour Project, invites proposals for grant reporting on projects focused on energy stories unfolding in our communities. The purpose of this reporting grant is to provide financial support to professional journalists covering the energy sector in Uganda.
Who is eligible?
We want to support journalists working on new ideas that promote public-interest journalism, particularly in northern Uganda. Specifically, we are looking for solutions-based stories that can improve public dialogue and civic participation in rural communities. Applicants should explore linkages between energy and their impact on the environment. Proposals can focus on any of the following areas:
- Renewable/clean energy
- Fossil fuel (oil & Gas)
- Sustainable energy solutions
- Just “energy” transition
- Energy sovereignty, energy security, or independence.
- Climate justice, activism, and energy policy.
- Gender and energy.
Selection Criteria
- An individual is based in Northern Uganda.
- Stories covering Acholi, Lango & West Nile sub-regions.
- Unique idea, building on a thorough understanding of the local/regional landscape.
- Solutions-based journalism.
How to Apply
Applicants must pitch us a one-page idea answering these questions:
- What is your story idea?
- Why should we care about the story – and why now?
- What preliminary research have you done so far? What data will you include?
- What sources will you talk to during reporting?
- What is your story plan (timeline of expected completion)?
The application is open to print, broadcast, and online media and MUST be accompanied by a letter of support from your Editor and a budget. Interested applicants must submit their application to NUMEC by email to info@numec.org, copying charles.akena@gmail.com
DEADLINE is 1st September, 2024. Only successful applicants will be contacted.
About NUMEC
The Northern Uganda Media Club (NUMEC) is an independent, non-partisan media development organization based in Gulu, northern Uganda. NUMEC’s mission is to integrate media and communications into the strategic objective of actors in the region within the context of development. With support from the American Jewish World Service and the 11th Hour Project, NUMEC will award 10 reporting grants to journalists working in northern Uganda to report on energy, climate change, environment & biodiversity.
