Arua journalists, hospital bridge information gap

ARUA - In a commendable step toward fostering transparency and collaboration, journalists in Arua City engaged in a landmark dialogue with officials from Arua Regional Referral Hospital to address persistent challenges related to access to information, a timely initiative ahead of World Press Freedom Day on Saturday, May 3, 2025.

The meeting, convened by the Arua City Journalists Association on Friday, May 2, provided a platform for media practitioners to raise concerns over delayed information dissemination, restricted press access, and perceived bias in media coverage issues that have long strained the relationship between the press and the hospital.

Robert Adiga, coordinator of the Arua City Journalists Association and reporter with Vision Group, emphasised the need for open communication.

“We need timely and accurate information from key institutions like the hospital to ensure effective and responsible reporting. Our work depends on open channels of communication,” Adiga said.

Godwin Abedican of Radio Pacis echoed the call, urging hospital management to streamline communication procedures.

“There’s a need for the administration to reconsider policies that may inadvertently hinder journalistic work. Most of us have been burned trying to cover hospital stories due to the tough bureaucracy,” Abedican said.

In response, Raymond Oyikuru, Principal Human Resource Officer at Arua Regional Referral Hospital, acknowledged the media’s critical role in public awareness.

“The hospital recognises the media as a vital partner in information dissemination. We must all take collective responsibility to ensure the public receives accurate and timely updates,” he noted.

On behalf of the hospital director, Senior Principal Nursing Officer Tabu Suzan reassured journalists of the hospital’s commitment to improved relations.

“We are committed to building a healthy working relationship with the media for the betterment of the West Nile community,” she stated while encouraging mutual understanding moving forward.

The dialogue concluded with several resolutions, including plans to hold regular press briefings, establish proper identification mechanisms for freelance journalists, and foster a more media-friendly environment. Both sides also emphasised the need to uphold ethical standards in their respective roles.

This renewed partnership marks a significant step in restoring trust and cooperation, setting a positive tone for World Press Freedom Day celebrations. It underscores a shared commitment to openness, professionalism, and mutual respect between the media and public institutions.

Background

During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021, some journalists in Arua were barred from covering hospital-related stories over allegations of biased reporting. 

The media practitioners observed that the strained relationship took years to mend, culminating in the recent dialogue that now paves the way for improved media-institution relations.