PREPARED BY
OVERVIEW
This report presents findings from the analysis of the coverage of children-related issues in Uganda for the period 15th – 28th February 2023 by various online media platforms. The main method used was content analysis.
Overall, the analyzed data results show that 553 stories were published online on children and children-related issues in Uganda, indicating a decrease of 139 stories from those published during the first two weeks of February 2023.
Two hundred seventy-eight (278) stories focused on keeping children[1] learning[2], 159 on keeping children safe[3] while 116 were on keeping children alive.
BI-WEEKLY ANALYSIS OF EDITORIAL AND JOURNALISTIC REPORTING TRENDS BY ONLINE PUBLICATIONS ON CHILDREN IN UGANDA (FEBRUARY 15TH – 28TH 2023)
- INTRODUCTION
Ultimate Multimedia Consult (UMC) is required to present to UNICEF Uganda an analysis of editorial and journalistic reporting trends on children-related issues in online publications after every two weeks. This report presents findings on how online publications covered children-related issues for the last two weeks of February 2023.
The report also shows how UNICEF Uganda messages, including press releases, reports and expertise, are reported on by online publications. In addition, the report gives insights into the accuracy and appropriateness of the information provided on children’s issues.
The analyzed content was drawn from news websites based in Uganda like: NTV Uganda, NBS TV, Bukedde and Capital FM; other websites like: Daily Monitor, New Vision, Uganda Radio Network, ChimpReports, PML Daily, Nile Post and The Independent among others as well as websites based in other countries. The analyzed data was accessed from online publications/platforms.
- ONLINE ANALYSIS
We captured 553 articles from online publications reporting children-related issues during the last two weeks of February 2023 (15th – 28th) indicating a decrease of 139 stories from those recorded during the first two weeks of February 2023. Below is a table showing a breakdown by publication, and category.
- CATEGORIES
Two hundred seventy-eight (278) stories were centered on keeping children learning.
Issues on keeping children safe were reported in 159 stories.
Stories on keeping children alive were in 116 stories.
Graph showing the distribution of story articles in terms of categories
- GENDER OF AUTHORS
During the period under review, male authors reported and or wrote most stories. While some stories had more than one author, 122 stories had no authors specified.
SENTIMENT
We found 47% of the stories on children issues published online during the last two weeks of February 2023 had a positive sentiment[4]. Children-related stories with neutral sentiment were the least.
Out of the 113 children-related stories we recorded having negative sentiments, three (03) storiesmentioned UNICEF. The mention was in the article below:
- https://mazima.ug/health/every-two-minutes-a-woman-dies-during-pregnancy-or-childbirth-who-report/ Every Two Minutes, A Woman Dies During Pregnancy or Childbirth -WHO Report
- https://www.newvision.co.ug/category/health/one-woman-dies-every-2-mins-in-pregnancy-chil-154465 One woman dies every 2 mins in pregnancy, childbirth: UN
- https://businessfocus.co.ug/every-two-minutes-a-woman-dies-during-pregnancy-or-childbirth-report/ Every Two Minutes, A Woman Dies During Pregnancy or Childbirth –Report
- SHARE OF VOICE
Majority of the stories recorded during the last two weeks of February 2023 had a high share of voice[5] on children and children-related issues.
- TYPE OF COVERAGE
The graph below shows the type of coverage of children-related stories online during the period 15th – 28th February 2023
- MESSAGE FIDELITY
Majority (83%) of the children-related stories recorded during the last two weeks of February 2023 had high message fidelity. This implies that they laid out their messages clearly, through the use of facts, statistics, audio-visuals and sources, making it easy for users to understand them as intended by authors. Such stories are credible and trusted by content consumers.
- NATURE OF QUOTES
Out of the 553 children-related stories we recorded from online publications, 444 stories had direct quotes indicating journalists’ sourcing and clarity in presenting news. 14 stories had no quotes.
- USE OF VISUALS
In the stories recorded during this period, 542 hadaudio–visuals (photos, videos, audio and graphics). Eleven (11) stories had no audiovisuals as shown below.
 Stories with visuals are understood much more than those without.
- ISSUES COVERED
The graphic below shows the topics covered in children-related stories online. The size of the words in the figure below and the numbers shown in the brackets (after the graphic) reflect the frequency at which the various topics were reported on in online publications.
From the stories captured, we noted that the issues of Education (167 times), and Examinations (153 times) were the most covered during this period. These were followed by:
- Schools (144)
- Child protection (73)
- Child health (39)
- School fees (32)
- Teaching (25)
- Homosexuality (24)
- Parenting (22)
- Children with Disability (21)
- Defilement (18)
- Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) (17)
- WASH (14)
- Child torture (12)
- Child trafficking (25)
- Note that some stories covered more than one issue
- STORIES DISTRIBUTION PER REGION
Most (147) of the stories recorded were from the Central region while the Eastern region had the least stories at 44 as represented on the graph above.
While some stories cut across different districts, others were general in nature and therefore were not recorded as coming from any of the four regions of Uganda.
From the figure above, Kampala District had the highest coverage with 90 stories.
Wakiso (19), Sembabule (1), Rakai (2), Mukono (4), Mubende (4), Mpigi (6), Mityana (2), Masaka (1), Lwengo (2), Luweero (10), Kayunga (1), Kassanda (2), Buvuma (1), Bukomansimbi (1), Buikwe (1)
Soroti (1), Tororo (1), Sironko (1), Serere (2), Namutumba (1), Mbale (5), Mayuge (13), Kibuku (2), Katakwi (1), Kasese (4), Kamuli (1), Kaliro (1), Jinja (3), Iganga (1), Buyende (1), Busia (3), Bugweri (1), Budaka (1), Bugembe (1)
Rukungiri (7), Rukiga (1), Rubanda (8), Ntungamo (6), Mbarara (8), Masindi (2), Kyegegwa (2), Kitagwenda (2), Kisoro (1), Kiryandongo (2), Kiruhura (1), Kikuube (3), Kamwenge (2), Kakumiro (2), Kagadi (1), Kabarole (1), Kabale (5), Isingiro (1), Ibanda (2), Hoima (6), Bushenyi (2), Bundibugyo (3), Ntoroko (1), Buliisa (9)
Zombo (5), Yumbe (3), Terergo (2), Pakwach (4), Pader (2), Obongi (1), Abim (2), Nwoya (9), Nebbi (6), Napak (1), Nakapiripirit (1), Moroto (1), Adjumani (1), Madi-Okollo (1), Lira (2), Lamwo (2), Kotido (4), Koboko (3), Kitgum (3), Kaabong (1), Gulu (4), Arua (12), Apac (3), Agago (1), Amuru (1), Amudat (1), Amolatar (2), Maracha (6)
- UNICEF UGANDA WEBSITE ARTICLES
This part analyzes UNICEF Uganda messages, including press releases, reports and expertise, and how they are reported on by UNICEF Uganda website.
During the last two weeks of February 2023, four (04) articles, and one (01) press release were published on the UNICEF Uganda website.
| Story link & title | Search Engine Optimization (SEO)[6] | Comments | |
| 1. | https://www.unicef.org/uganda/stories/napak-child-mothers-shock-society-outperforming-other-girls Napak child mothers shock society by outperforming other girls | PhotosGood use of keywords | Outbound and inbound links on keywords and characters in your articles can make them stand out in Google searches. Keywords can also be included as tags.Headlines can also be made keyword-rich to make articles more searchable and attract readers’ attention.Use of videos in the articles is commendable as it provides extra information on the topic as well as rich media.Exploit other visuals like graphics and animations whenever possible. Multimedia articles are not only easy to understand but also stand out in online searches.Use of block quotes, bolding key phrases and putting some parts of the article in list form makes it scannable and easy to read |
| 2 | https://www.unicef.org/uganda/stories/abridged-curriculum-helps-teachers-cover-2-year-backlog Abridged curriculum helps teachers cover 2-year backlog | PhotosGood use of keywords | Outbound and inbound links on keywords and characters in your articles can make them stand out in Google searches. Keywords can also be included as tags.Headlines can also be made keyword-rich to make articles more searchable and attract readers’ attention.Use of videos in the articles is commendable as it provides extra information on the topic as well as rich media.Exploit other visuals like graphics and animations whenever possible. Multimedia articles are not only easy to understand but also stand out in online searches.Use of block quotes, bolding key phrases and putting some parts of the article in list form makes it scannable and easy to read |
| 3 | https://www.unicef.org/uganda/stories/voices-kagadi-district-leaders-confident-mitigating-and-responding-disasters Voices: Kagadi District leaders confident of mitigating and responding to disasters | PhotosGood use of keywords | Outbound and inbound links on keywords and characters in your articles can make them stand out in Google searches. Keywords can also be included as tags.Headlines can also be made keyword-rich to make articles more searchable and attract readers’ attention.Use of videos in the articles is commendable as it provides extra information on the topic as well as rich media.Exploit other visuals like graphics and animations whenever possible. Multimedia articles are not only easy to understand but also stand out in online searches.Use of block quotes, bolding key phrases and putting some parts of the article in list form makes it scannable and easy to read |
| 4 | https://www.unicef.org/uganda/stories/after-surviving-ebola-scare-kagadi-district-more-ready-respond-any-emergency After surviving an Ebola scare, Kagadi District is more than ready to respond to any emergency | PhotosGood use of keywords | Outbound and inbound links on keywords and characters in your articles can make them stand out in Google searches. Keywords can also be included as tags.Headlines can also be made keyword-rich to make articles more searchable and attract readers’ attention.Use of videos in the articles is commendable as it provides extra information on the topic as well as rich media.Exploit other visuals like graphics and animations whenever possible. Multimedia articles are not only easy to understand but also stand out in online searches.Use of block quotes, bolding key phrases and putting some parts of the article in list form makes it scannable and easy to read |
| 5 | https://www.unicef.org/uganda/press-releases/woman-dies-every-two-minutes-due-pregnancy-or-childbirth-un-agencies A woman dies every two minutes due to pregnancy or childbirth: UN agencies | PhotosGood use of keywordsQuotes | Outbound and inbound links on keywords and characters in your articles can make them stand out in Google searches. Keywords can also be included as tags.Headlines can also be made keyword-rich to make articles more searchable and attract readers’ attention.Use of videos in the articles is commendable as it provides extra information on the topic as well as rich media.Exploit other visuals like graphics and animations whenever possible. Multimedia articles are not only easy to understand but also stand out in online searches.Use of block quotes, bolding key phrases and putting some parts of the article in list form makes it scannable and easy to read |
The press release, (https://www.unicef.org/uganda/press-releases/woman-dies-every-two-minutes-due-pregnancy-or-childbirth-un-agencies A woman dies every two minutes due to pregnancy or childbirth: UN agencies) was covered by multiple publications.
Below are the publications that reported on the press release published on the UNICEF website;
- https://www.newvision.co.ug/category/health/one-woman-dies-every-2-mins-in-pregnancy-chil-154465 One woman dies every 2 mins in pregnancy, childbirth: UN
- https://mazima.ug/health/every-two-minutes-a-woman-dies-during-pregnancy-or-childbirth-who-report/ Every Two Minutes, A Woman Dies During Pregnancy or Childbirth -WHO Report
- https://businessfocus.co.ug/every-two-minutes-a-woman-dies-during-pregnancy-or-childbirth-report/ Every Two Minutes, A Woman Dies During Pregnancy or Childbirth –Report
- UNICEF MENTIONS
During this period, UNICEF was mentioned 23 times out of the 553 children-related stories in online publications. Below are links to the stories where UNICEF was mentioned during the last two weeks of February 2023:
MATERNAL MORTALITY
- https://www.newvision.co.ug/category/health/one-woman-dies-every-2-mins-in-pregnancy-chil-154465 One woman dies every 2 mins in pregnancy, childbirth: UN
- https://mazima.ug/health/every-two-minutes-a-woman-dies-during-pregnancy-or-childbirth-who-report/ Every Two Minutes, A Woman Dies During Pregnancy or Childbirth -WHO Report
- https://businessfocus.co.ug/every-two-minutes-a-woman-dies-during-pregnancy-or-childbirth-report/ Every Two Minutes, A Woman Dies During Pregnancy or Childbirth -Report
- https://businessfocus.co.ug/health-ministry-targets-reduced-stunting-among-children-by-2025/ Health Ministry Targets Reduced Stunting Among Children By 2025
- https://www.independent.co.ug/dr-oyaka-lets-ensure-food-supplements-are-delivered-to-west-nile-kids-to-save-them-from-malnutrition/ Dr Oyaka: Let’s ensure food supplements are delivered to West Nile kids to save them from malnutrition
EDUCATION
- https://www.independent.co.ug/educating-the-worlds-children-of-conflict/ Educating the world’s children of conflict
- https://www.newvision.co.ug/category/news/p7-leavers-prepared-for-transition-to-seconda-154093 P7 leavers prepared for transition to secondary school
- https://www.newvision.co.ug/category/news/why-schools-should-prioritize-counselling-154095 Why schools should prioritize counselling
- https://www.newvision.co.ug/category/news/first-lady-endorses-second-phase-of-education-154420/first-lady-endorses-second-phase-of-education-154420 First Lady endorses second phase of education response plan for refugees
OTHER MENTIONS
- https://www.ippmedia.com/en/news/child-mortality-tanzania-evades-sub-saharan-trend Child mortality: Tanzania evades Sub-Saharan trend
- https://reliefweb.int/report/south-sudan/unicef-south-sudan-humanitarian-situation-report-no-12-1-january-31-december-2022 UNICEF South Sudan Humanitarian Situation Report No. 12: 1 January – 31 December 2022
- https://www.devex.com/news/opinion-africa-is-better-prepared-for-future-pandemics-104935 Opinion: Africa is better prepared for future pandemics
- https://africa.cgtn.com/2023/02/15/world-marks-international-childhood-cancer-day/ World marks International Childhood Cancer Day
- https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/court-throws-out-outdated-marriage-laws-4131368 Court throws out outdated marriage laws
- https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/govt-resets-relations-with-traditional-healers-4131518 Govt resets relations with traditional healer
- https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/magazines/healthy-living/women-participation-key-in-the-devt-of-water-and-sanitation-systems-4132706 Women participation key in the devt of water and sanitation systems
- https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/africa-s-water-and-sanitation-concerns-take-center-stage-at-abidjan-congress-4131982 Africa’s water and sanitation concerns take center stage at Abidjan congress
- https://chimpreports.com/west-nile-dr-oyaka-urges-health-in-charges-to-protect-food-supplements-to-fight-malnutrition/ Dr. Oyaka urges health in charges to protect food
- https://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/news/haier-biomedical-assists-healthcare-in-african-countries-to-protect-the-home-planet-earth Haier Biomedical Assists Healthcare in African Countries to Protect the Home – Planet Earth
- https://softpower.ug/program-to-achieve-sanitation-hygiene-in-schools-launched/ Program to Achieve Sanitation & Hygiene in Schools Launched
- https://www.pmldaily.com/features/celebrity/2023/02/absa-womens-forum-skills-donates-items-to-70-teenage-mothers-in-kyegegwa.html Absa Women’s Forum skills, donates items to 70 teenage mothers in Kyegegwa
- https://nilepost.co.ug/2023/02/26/absa-womens-forum-skills-donates-to-teenage-mothers-in-kyegegwa/ Absa Women’s Forum, skills, donates to teenage mothers in Kyegegwa
- https://reliefweb.int/report/uganda/unicef-uganda-humanitarian-situation-report-no-8-sudan-virus-disease-23-january-24-february-2023 UNICEF Uganda Humanitarian Situation Report No. 8 (Sudan Virus Disease), 23 January – 24 February 2023
- COMPARATOR MENTIONS
The Ministry of Education & Sports (MoES) was the most mentioned comparator in 63 stories, followed by the World Health Organisation (WHO), with 25 and the Ministry of Health (MoH) with 17 among other comparators.
Below is a breakdown of all comparator mentions
| COMPARATOR | NUMBER OF MENTIONS |
| Ministry of Education & Sports (MoES) | 63 |
| World Health Organization (WHO) | 25 |
| Ministry of Health (MoH) | 17 |
| Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development | 11 |
| United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) | 6 |
| United Nations (UN) | 5 |
| USAID | 3 |
| United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) | 3 |
| Save the Children | 2 |
| UNEPI | 2 |
| Food Agriculture Organisation (FAO) | 2 |
| World Food Program (WFP) | 1 |
| World Bank | 1 |
| StrongMinds | 1 |
| IGAD | 1 |
| UNATU | 1 |
| Uganda Women’s Effort to Save Orphans (UWESO) | 1 |
| The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) | 1 |
| International Monetary Fund (IMF) | 1 |
| European Union | 1 |
| Education Cannot Wait | 1 |
| Center for Health, Human Rights and Development (CEHURD) | 1 |
- SOCIAL MEDIA INSIGHTS 15TH – 28TH FEBRUARY 2023
YOUTUBE
- SOCIAL MEDIA TRENDS
This part looks at how different media organizations in Uganda posted about children-related issues on social media. During this period, NTV Uganda, The New Vision, Nile Post, NBS TV and Daily Monitor posted the most on children. Posting was mainly on aspects of education, girl child, examinations, UCE results, pediatrics, child malnutrition, teaching, child murder, child health, teachers, street children, school reopening, school feeding, COVID19, menstrual health, school requirements, school fees, child marriage, teenage pregnancy and other sex-related offences against children, reproductive health, maternal and neonatal health, child protection, parenting and violence against children, among others. Below are snippets from and links to the posts captured from social media:
https://www.instagram.com/p/CouKuint0Hq/
https://www.instagram.com/p/Cotk44PIXlp/
https://www.instagram.com/p/Co6eFnbIiJP/
https://www.instagram.com/p/Co692w_jWzZ/
https://www.facebook.com/NTVUganda/photos/a.319879798060481/6077710778943992
https://www.facebook.com/NTVUganda/photos/a.319879798060481/6077657042282699
https://www.instagram.com/p/CpC64sbu6VP/
https://www.instagram.com/p/CpAlY1JNjgj/
https://www.instagram.com/p/CpCTabPu9ce/
https://www.facebook.com/NTVUganda/photos/a.319879798060481/6083446695037067
https://www.facebook.com/NTVUganda/photos/a.319879798060481/6091491694232567
https://www.instagram.com/p/CpMsSDfNDMM/
https://www.facebook.com/NTVUganda/photos/a.319879798060481/6095497633831973
[1] This is concerned with stories and journalistic content which addresses the health of children in Uganda. It may also entail stories that look at the welfare of pregnant mothers or maternal health in general.
[2] Reports categorized as such may connote content published in a context of improving and addressing the issues concerning both informal and formal education of a child, including early and progressive learning.
[3] Stories in this category may refer to a journalistic report(s) written and presented in the context of the social safety and welfare including the security of a child. Such stories include any content that addresses issues that threaten the lives of children like physical assault, psychosocial injury and threat.
[4] Sentiment (also known as tonality) is used to measure how messages contained in children related stories are portrayed in the media in relation to UNICEF’s mission to advocate for the protection of children’s rights, help meet their basic needs and expand their opportunities to reach their full potential. Sentiment is normally categorized as positive, neutral or negative.
[5] The measure of the publicity/exposure a brand or issue receives in a story compared to its competitors or other issues.
[6] Search Engine Optimization is the process of improving the content on your website to increase its visibility for relevant searches online.
