PREPARED BY
OVERVIEW
This report presents findings from the analysis of the coverage of children-related issues in Uganda for the period 1st – 14th October 2023 by various online media platforms. The main method used for analysis was content analysis.
Overall, the analyzed data results show that 500 articles were published online on children and children-related issues in Uganda, indicating a decrease of 62 articles from those published during the last two weeks of September 2023.
Two hundred sixteen (215) articles focused on keeping children Learning[1], 152 on keeping children Alive[2], and 132 were on keeping children Safe[3].
BI-WEEKLY ANALYSIS OF EDITORIAL AND JOURNALISTIC REPORTING TRENDS BY ONLINE PUBLICATIONS ON CHILDREN IN UGANDA (OCTOBER 1ST – 14TH 2023)
- INTRODUCTION
Ultimate Multimedia Consult (UMC) is required to present to UNICEF Uganda every two weeks an analysis of editorial and journalistic reporting trends on children and children-related issues in Uganda as published on online platforms. This report presents findings on how online publications covered children-related issues for the first two weeks of October 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 analysed content was drawn from news websites based in Uganda like: NTV Uganda, Bukedde and Capital FM; other websites like: Daily Monitor, New Vision, Uganda Radio Network, NTV Uganda, Daily Express, Mazima News, PML Daily, Nile Post, The Independent, and Various YouTube Channels like BBS Terefayina, NTV Uganda, UBC TV, Spark TV, Bukedde TV, NBS TV, Urban TV among others, as well as websites based in other countries. The analysed data was accessed from online publications/platforms.
- ONLINE ANALYSIS
We captured 500 articles from online publications reporting children and children-related issues in Uganda during the first weeks of October 2023 (1st – 14th), indicating a decrease of 62 articles from those recorded during the last two weeks of September 2023. Below is a table showing a breakdown by publication and category.
- CATEGORIES
Two hundred sixteen (216) articles were centered on keeping children Learning.
Issues related to keeping children Alive were reported in 152 articles. Articles on keeping children safe were in 132 articles.
- GENDER OF AUTHORS
During the period under review, male authors reported and/or wrote most articles. While some articles had more than one author, 76 articles had no authors specified.
SENTIMENT
We found that 52% of the articles on children and children related issues published online during the first two weeks of October 2023 had a Positive sentiment[4]. Children-related articles with neutral sentiment were the least in number.
Positive (258) Negative (186) Neutral (56)
Out of the 186 children-related articles we recorded having a negative sentiment, four (04) articlesmentioned UNICEF. The mentions were in the articles below;
- https://www.newvision.co.ug/category/health/one-in-10-babies-worldwide-are-born-early-rep-NV_171973 One in 10 babies worldwide are born early — report
- https://www.newvision.co.ug/category/amawulire/abaana-emitwalo-40-bafa-lwa-ndwadde-ezeekuusa-BUK_141525 Abaana emitwalo 40 bafa lwa ndwadde ezeekuusa ku mazzi n’obucaafu
- https://www.bukedde.co.ug/amawulire/BUK_141525/abaana-emitwalo-40-bafa-lwa-ndwadde-ezeekuusa Abaana emitwalo 40 bafa lwa ndwadde ezeekuusa ku mazzi n’obucaafu
- https://www.ugandaradionetwork.net/story/1-in-10-babies-are-born-preterm-with-complications-report 1 in 10 Babies are Born Preterm, with Complications- Report
- SHARE OF VOICE
The majority (83%) of the articles recorded during the first two weeks of October 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 articles online during the period 1st – 14th October 2023
- MESSAGE FIDELITY
The majority (89%) of the children and children-related articles recorded during the first two weeks of October 2023 had high message fidelity. This implies that the messages were laid out clearly through the use of facts, statistics, audio-visuals and sources, making it easy for users to understand them as intended by the authors. Such articles are credible and trusted by content consumers.
- NATURE OF QUOTES
Out of the 500 children-related articles we recorded from online publications, 361 had direct quotes, indicating journalists’ sourcing and clarity in presenting news.
- USE OF VISUALS
In the articles recorded during this period, all 500 articleshadaudio–visuals (photos, videos, audio, and graphics), as shown below.
It should be noted that articles with visuals are understood much better than those without.
- ISSUES COVERED
The graphic below shows the topics covered in children-related articles 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 issue of education was the most covered (98 times) during this period. This was followed by:
- Schools (69)
- Child health (69)
- Child protection (62)
- Examinations (52)
- Defilement (24)
- WASH (23)
- Ebola (55)
- Food and nutrition (33)
- Child death (15)
- Teenage pregnancy (24)
- Maternal health (23)
- Menstrual hygiene (11)
- Girl child (25)
- Malaria (13)
- World Teachers Day (15)
- Parenting (11)
- Note that some stories covered more than one issue
- STORY DISTRIBUTION PER REGION
Most (181) of the stories recorded were from the Central region while the Eastern region had the least stories at 105 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.
Kampala (81), Wakiso (26), Buikwe (3), Gomba (2), Kalangala (5), Kalungu (2), Kassanda (2), Kayunga (4), Kiboga (1), Kyotera (2), Luweero (4), Lwengo (1), Masaka (5), Mpigi (3), Mubende (17), Mukono (18), Nakaseke (5)
Budaka (2), Bududa (2), Bugiri (1), Bugweri (1), Bukedea (2), Bukwo (4), Busia (3), Butaleja (7), Butebo (1), Buyende (2), Iganga (5), Jinja (8), Kaliro (5), Kamuli (17), Kapchorwa (6), Katakwi (4), Kibuku (2), Kween (2), Luuka (1), Mbale (13), Namayingo (8), Namisindwa (1), Namutumba (2), Kalaki (1), Tororo (5)
Rukungiri (1), Bundibugyo (4), Bunyangabu (4), Bushenyi (2), Isingiro (1), Kabale (13), Kabarole (7), Kagadi (10), Kakumiro (1), Kamwenge (14), Kasese (6), Kibaale (1), Kikuube (4), Kiryandongo (2), Kisoro (6), Kyegegwa (10), Kyenjojo (1), Masindi (1), Mbarara (3), Ntungamo (14), Hoima (2),
Zombo (1), Yumbe (10), Terego (7), Oyam (1), Adjumani (7), Apac (9), Agago (1), Napak (3), Alebtong (1), Amolator (1), Amuru (2), Arua (8), Gulu (6), Koboko (7), Kole (1), Kotido (2), Lamwo (19), Lira (2), Madi-Okollo (8), Moroto (4), Moyo (6), Nabilatuk (1), Nwoya (1), Obongi (2), Maracha (4)
- 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 first two weeks of October 2023, six (06) articles were published on the UNICEF Uganda website.
| Story link & title | Search Engine Optimization (SEO)[6] | Comments | |
| 1. | https://www.unicef.org/uganda/stories/rebuilding-lives-after-ebola-kassanda-district Rebuilding Lives After Ebola in Kassanda District | PhotosGood use of keywordsLinks | 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/onmymind-how-i-deal-mental-health-challenges #Onmymind: How I deal with mental health challenges | PhotosGood use of keywordsLinks | 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 |
| https://www.unicef.org/uganda/stories/ugandan-adolescents-embrace-nutrition-and-physical-activity-improve-their-future Ugandan Adolescents Embrace Nutrition and Physical Activity to Improve Their Future | 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 | |
| https://www.unicef.org/uganda/stories/jovia-joles-and-learning-live-again Jovia, Joles and learning to live again | 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 | |
| 5 | https://www.unicef.org/uganda/stories/little-things-making-big-difference-education-emergency-contexts-uganda The little things making a big difference for education in emergency contexts in Uganda | 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 |
| 6 | https://www.unicef.org/uganda/stories/tangible-impact-parasocial-workers-western-uganda The tangible impact of parasocial workers in Western Uganda | 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 |
- UNICEF UGANDA MENTIONS
During this period, UNICEF Uganda was mentioned 13 times in 500 children andchildren-related articles in online publications. Below are links to the articles where UNICEF Uganda was mentioned.
PRE-MATURE BABIES
- https://www.newvision.co.ug/category/health/one-in-10-babies-worldwide-are-born-early-rep-NV_171973 One in 10 babies worldwide are born early — report
- https://www.newvision.co.ug/category/amawulire/abaana-emitwalo-40-bafa-lwa-ndwadde-ezeekuusa-BUK_141525 Abaana emitwalo 40 bafa lwa ndwadde ezeekuusa ku mazzi n’obucaafu
- https://www.bukedde.co.ug/amawulire/BUK_141525/abaana-emitwalo-40-bafa-lwa-ndwadde-ezeekuusa Abaana emitwalo 40 bafa lwa ndwadde ezeekuusa ku mazzi n’obucaafu
- https://www.ugandaradionetwork.net/story/1-in-10-babies-are-born-preterm-with-complications-report 1 in 10 Babies are Born Preterm, with Complications- Report
TEACHERS’ DAY
- https://chimpreports.com/world-teachers-day-2023-the-teachers-we-need-for-the-education-we-want-the-global-imperative-to-reverse-the-teacher-shortage/ World Teachers’ Day 2023: “The Teachers We Need for the Education We Want: The Global Imperative to Reverse the Teacher Shortage”
- https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/teachers-social-dialogue-paves-way-world-teachers-day-celebrations-uganda Teacher’s social dialogue paves the way for World Teacher’s Day Celebrations in Uganda
OTHER MENTIONS
- https://ugandaradionetwork.net/story/tooro-kingdom-unicef-commit-to-ending-stunted-growth-in-the-region Tooro Kingdom, UNICEF Commit to Ending Stunted Growth in the Region
- https://reliefweb.int/report/world/protect-children-all-times-and-all-places-un-envoys-tell-nations Protect children at all times and at all places, UN envoys tell nations
- https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/united-nations-job-cuts-rock-uganda-workers-4392084 United Nations job cuts rock Uganda workers
- https://www.newvision.co.ug/category/news/latin-america-migration-unacceptable-says-mus-NV_172210 Latin America migration unacceptable, says Museveni
- https://reliefweb.int/report/uganda/global-child-nutrition-foundation-global-survey-2019-republic-uganda Global Child Nutrition Foundation Global Survey 2019: Republic of Uganda
- https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/education/joy-as-pupils-of-st-paul-ii-shift-from-tents-to-classrooms-4394328 Joy as pupils of St Paul II shift from tents to classrooms
- https://allafrica.com/view/group/main/main/id/00087263.html Unicef Calls for Increased Investment in Adolescent Girls’ Rights
- COMPARATOR MENTIONS
The Ministry of Health (MoH) was the most mentioned comparator in 35 stories, followed by the Ministry of Education & Sports (MoES) with 13, World Health Organization (WHO) 12, Uganda National Expanded Program on Immunisation (UNEPI) and United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) with 10 mentions each among other comparators.
Below is a breakdown of all comparator mentions
| COMPARATOR | NUMBER OF MENTIONS |
| Ministry of Health (MoH) | 35 |
| Ministry of Education & Sports (MoES) | 13 |
| World Health Organization (WHO) | 12 |
| Uganda National Expanded Program on Immunization (UNEPI) | 10 |
| United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) | 10 |
| European Union | 8 |
| United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) | 7 |
| UN Women | 6 |
| United Nations (UN) | 6 |
| Ministry of Gender Labour and Social Development (MGLSD) | 5 |
| Uganda Redcross Society | 5 |
| UNAIDS | 5 |
| UNESCO | 5 |
| United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) | 5 |
| World Food Program (WFP) | 5 |
| Reach A Hand Uganda | 3 |
| Food and Agriculture Organisation | 2 |
| USAID | 2 |
| World Bank | 2 |
| Action Aid | 1 |
| Amref | 1 |
| African Union | 1 |
| CEHURD | 1 |
| ChildFund Uganda | 1 |
| Plan International | 1 |
| Save the Children | 1 |
| World Vision | 1 |
- SOCIAL MEDIA INSIGHTS 15TH – 28TH OCTOBER 2023
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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, Urban TV and Daily Monitor posted the most on children. Posting was mainly on aspects of, school fires, UNEB timetable and examinations, immunization, defilement, vaccination, education, girl child, schools, accidents, pediatrics, child malnutrition, teaching, child murder, child health, teachers, menstrual health, menstrual hygiene, child marriage, teenage pregnancy and other sex-related offences against children, reproductive health, maternal and neonatal health, child protection, parenting violence against children, among others. Below are snippets from and links to the posts captured from social media in the last two weeks of October:
https://www.facebook.com/NTVUganda/posts/733502898820297
https://www.facebook.com/NTVUganda/posts/733469468823640
https://www.facebook.com/NTVUganda/posts/733464532157467
https://www.facebook.com/nbstelevision/posts/739219154909580
https://www.facebook.com/nbstelevision/posts/739208358243993
https://www.facebook.com/NTVUganda/posts/734371885400065
https://www.facebook.com/DailyMonitor/posts/719698536854858
https://www.facebook.com/DailyMonitor/posts/719681123523266
https://www.facebook.com/NTVUganda/posts/739813408189246
https://www.facebook.com/thenewvision/posts/722750589896786
https://www.facebook.com/DailyMonitor/posts/725117816312930
https://www.facebook.com/DailyMonitor/posts/725115212979857
https://www.facebook.com/DailyMonitor/posts/725078536316858
https://www.facebook.com/NTVUganda/posts/740384161465504
https://www.facebook.com/NTVUganda/posts/741231271380793
https://www.facebook.com/thenewvision/posts/723411429830702
https://www.facebook.com/NTVUganda/posts/742456641258256
[1] Reports categorized as such may connote content published in a context of improving and addressing the issues concerning both the informal and formal education of a child, including early and progressive learning.
[2]This is concerned with articles and journalistic content that address the health of children in Uganda. It may also entail articles that look at the welfare of pregnant mothers or maternal health in general.
[3]Articles 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 articles 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 articles 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.
