By Spy Uganda
Kampala: For Irene, the dream of journalism began with something as simple as her father’s love for his little “Makula” radio. She grew up imagining the day he would switch it on and hear her voice coming through the speakers. That dream shaped her path into media, first through radio, where she dedicated seven years of her career.
After feeling she had given all she could to radio, she set her eyes on television. When the opportunity at Next Media came, Irene seized it, starting out as a reporter with NBS TV. She believed that one day her chance to anchor would come, and in an unexpected twist of fate, it happened sooner than she imagined. Filling in as a stand-in anchor for Amasengejje, she proved her presence at the desk belonged there. From that moment, she began her rise as one of the leading faces of Luganda news in Uganda.
Her early days in television were not without challenges. “Everyone wants you to do it their way,” she recalls, “but I chose to stay true to myself, because that’s when I can give my very best.” That decision to remain authentic has become the foundation of her journalistic identity.
Irene’s daily routine is a clear reflection of her work ethic and dedication. She arrives at the station by 6:20 a.m., currently filling in for Haffy Powers on the Sanyuka TV Morning Xpress show with Kungu. From there, her day quickly accelerates—attending the newsroom editorial meeting, heading to the field for reporting, and preparing stories for bulletins across Amasengejje, Live at 9, and Nile Post. When she returns, she edits her stories, often working late into the night before anchoring the evening news. It is a demanding schedule, but Irene handles it with grace, discipline, and an unshakable passion for her work.
What makes Irene stand out is her approach to language. She views Luganda not just as a tool of communication but as a vessel of culture and identity. “It starts with respect for the language itself,” she explains. She speaks fluent, clear Luganda, enriched with proverbs and idioms that resonate with her audience, while ensuring accuracy and professionalism in every bulletin. This blend of cultural authenticity and journalistic rigor makes her broadcasts both relatable and credible, keeping Luganda news alive as a powerful force in shaping public opinion.
Her contributions extend beyond television to Nile Post, where she tailors her storytelling for online audiences. Unlike broadcast, which thrives on visuals and brevity, online stories demand depth, explanation, and detail. She navigates both spaces seamlessly, adjusting her voice to match the medium while keeping her commitment to clarity and truth intact.
For Irene, Luganda news plays an irreplaceable role in connecting with audiences. It reflects their realities—their joys, struggles, and everyday lives—while preserving cultural identity. “The Luganda audience quickly understands the message because it is spoken, heard, and comprehended well by them,” she says. This is why she takes extra care to frame even hard news in simple, relatable terms, ensuring her viewers not only hear but also deeply understand the stories she tells.
Her career has been filled with memorable moments, but one that stands out is anchoring alongside the late Zambaali Bulasio Mukasa. “Woow!! I didn’t see that coming,” she says with a smile, recalling the chemistry and ease of that broadcast. It remains one of her proudest moments on screen.
To young women aspiring to join the newsroom, Irene’s advice is direct and heartfelt: “Work hard, stay focused, don’t lose hope, and dream big—you never know what God has in store for you.” She believes that consistency and determination can take anyone far, as long as they remain true to themselves.
And if she hadn’t pursued journalism? Irene laughs and says she would probably be “downtown Muyiribi,” recalling her experience as a businesswoman in the bustling markets of Kampala—a place where her energy and people skills once thrived. But for her, journalism was always destiny.
Today, Irene continues to inspire, balancing the demands of her newsroom role while holding firm to the values of authenticity, cultural respect, and professional excellence. For her father, that small radio once carried the dream. For Uganda, Irene’s voice and face now carry the stories of a nation.
