Kampala: Jacobs Seaman Odong, the Editor at Nile Post, is a name increasingly synonymous with high journalistic standards and fearless storytelling in Uganda’s media landscape. But his journey into journalism began long before his rise to prominence.
“I think journalism found me early on,” Jacobs reflects. “Even in primary school, while I hated academic reading, I was drawn to newspapers and novels. I used to sneak newspapers from a neighbour’s house and read them in the sugarcane plantations of Kakira.” By secondary school, his passion was obvious to everyone around him. “I wrote articles on the school noticeboard, some controversial enough to earn me a suspension.”
Jacobs’ professional career took him from Vision to Monitor, then to Kigali, and back to Monitor before Nile Post finally called. “When I started, I introduced myself as an NBS editor, but now it’s Nile Post editor. The brand is growing, and people care deeply, from flagging typos to reacting strongly to stories they don’t agree with. That shows the influence we have, and it’s something to be proud of.”
His storytelling passion is wide-ranging, covering features, sports, and news. But music holds a special place in his heart. “Writing about African music, especially Congolese rumba, is different because you tell the story while listening. One of my proudest works was a tribute to Tshala Muana for the BBC.”
One of Jacobs’ most impactful stories at Nile Post was covering the sanctioning of Speaker Anita Among. “The reactions were intense, accusations, threats, and pressure to take down the stories. But we stood firm because the facts were clear. It was a defining moment.”
When asked what sets Nile Post apart, Jacobs highlights the newsroom’s unique ecosystem. “Our TV reporters contribute to Nile Post, enriching our journalism by balancing different media styles. We pride ourselves on credibility, no sensationalism, no blackmail. Our professionalism shines through.”
In a fast-paced digital news cycle, Jacobs ensures integrity through constant learning. “I recently completed BBC training on fact-checking deep fakes and AI content. It’s an eye-opener. We push reporters to meet high standards, sometimes spiking half their stories, but everyone understands that quality is non-negotiable.”
