In Iganga District, the voice of Mudola Micah, a journalist working with Apex Radio, has become a powerful force for inclusion and social change. Known for his engaging programs and community-centered reporting, Micah’s journey from a media practitioner to a passionate advocate for the rights of persons with disabilities is a story of transformation, learning, and purpose.
Micah’s shift in perspective began when he continuously participated in advocacy and media engagement sessions organized by IDIWA. These sessions focused on disability inclusion, gender equality, and human rights reporting, equipping journalists with the knowledge and skills to promote positive narratives about persons with disabilities.
Before this engagement, Micah admits, stories about disability in the media often focused on sympathy or charity. But through IDIWA’s mentorship, he learned the power of solution-oriented and rights-based reporting, a form of journalism that empowers rather than pities, and informs rather than misrepresents.
“The training opened my eyes,” Micah shares. “I realized that the media can either reinforce stigma or help to break it. I chose to be part of the change.”
Since then, Micah has become an active ally and advocate for persons with disabilities. Through his radio programs, he has consistently provided a platform for women and girls with disabilities to share their stories, challenges, and aspirations. His positive reporting has helped the community understand that disability is not inability, and that inclusion benefits everyone.
Micah also collaborates with IDIWA and other local organizations to amplify advocacy campaigns, from promoting access to education and healthcare, to calling for accountability in service delivery for persons with disabilities. His work has inspired other journalists in the region to embrace inclusive storytelling and challenge stereotypes in their coverage.
Beyond the newsroom, Micah uses his influence to engage local leaders, encouraging them to prioritize disability inclusion in policy and community programs. His advocacy has helped spark conversations on equality and accessibility across Iganga and neighboring districts.
Today, Mudola Micah stands as a role model for how media can be a catalyst for social transformation. Through his microphone, he gives voice to the voiceless and hope to the overlooked, proving that informed journalism can change attitudes, strengthen advocacy, and promote dignity for all. “I now see journalism as a tool for justice, telling the right stories can inspire understanding, challenge discrimination, and build an inclusive society where everyone belongs.”
When empowered with the right knowledge and perspective, media professionals become powerful allies in advancing disability rights and promoting inclusive communities