By Eriah Lule
Between the ages of 12 and 19, Catherine Nakato’s dream was to become a lawyer. However, as time went on, she realized that she was naturally outspoken. Relatives often pointed out that she had a gift for speaking up not only for herself, but for others, too.
“After completing Senior Six, it became clear to me that my strength lay in storytelling and advocacy,” says Nakato. And just like that, her mind switched to a career in journalism.
Storytelling, when done responsibly, influences policy, empowers communities, and inspires public dialogue. This is something Nakato now knows too well, having practiced journalism for five years. And, perhaps, it is this power of journalism that made her have a change of mind to pursue the career.
In fact, she believes that in addition to debunking misinformation, a journalist should also highlight systemic injustices, create visibility for vulnerable groups and spark conversations that push society toward equity.
“I choose stories based on relevance, public interest, and the urgency of the issues affecting vulnerable people,” Nakato said, adding: “I prioritize stories involving human rights, public service delivery, health, environment and governance, ensuring that voices of those most affected are amplified.”
The support that Nakato got from her parents were constant reminders that she had chosen the right path. “My father’s confidence in me gave me the courage to dream bigger and to pursue my ambitions,” she says, noting that her father often gave her the needed financial support.
This confidence was even strengthened further while at Uganda Christian University (UCU), where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication in 2021. At UCU, Nakato says she was equipped with skills that have opened many doors for her.
“For my mother, it was her character and discipline that kept me grounded and consistent. Her values shaped my work ethic and continue to guide me in everything I do.”
Nakato works with Next Media, the parent company of Uganda’s NBS TV. It is at NBS where the 25-year-old says she was introduced to advocacy journalism, which uses journalistic techniques to promote specific causes. Scholars argue that advocacy journalism sometimes overlaps with investigative reporting. This genre of journalism often focuses on human rights, social justice and government accountability.
Take, for instance, a story that Nakato did for NBS TV in 2023 about the eighty-six-year-old Jennifer Abwooli, a casual laborer with Kampala Capital City Authority. Despite Abwooli’s advanced age and failing eyesight, she wakes up every morning to clean the city. And when she returns home, it’s largely the graves in her compound that welcome her. These graves, she says, silently remind her of her four children she lost in a tragic accident in 2006. All that remains of them are the 10 grandchildren she now cares for and protects as her own.
When Nakato did this story in 2023, it touched many hearts – several organizations and well-wishers came on board to support Abwooli with basic necessities, school fees for the grandchildren, and land, enabling her to, finally, start constructing a house in her village.
When people watch stories that are broadcast, they would not imagine that journalists, too, face challenges in their work. Nakato acknowledges that limited access to reliable information, resistance from officials in high offices, underfunded communities that fear to speak out and, sometimes, personal safety concerns when covering sensitive topics, remain a big challenge to professionals like her.
Despite such challenges, she ensures that her reporting remains objective, evidence-based and respectful of the dignity of her story sources.
“I hope to become a leading voice in advocacy journalism and to mentor young journalists passionate about social justice,” she said.
Nakato attended Stallions Primary School in Kampala, Merryland High School in Entebbe for her O’level and Hana Mixed International School for A’level.
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