Komla Dumor Inspired Me to Excellence—Solomon Serwanjja of Uganda

October 2, 2019

Solomon Serwanjja, the Ugandan investigative journalist who won this year’s BBC World News Komla Dumor Award has credited his success to inspiration from the work ethics of the late Komla Dumor. Serwanjja had last week beat other nominees from across Africa to clinch the prestigious Komla Dumor Award instituted in honour of one of Africa’s finest journalist, a presenter for BBC World News died suddenly at the age of 41 in 2014.

Solomon Serwanjja
Solomon Serwanjja
Serwanjaa, an investigative journalist and news anchor and a presenter at Uganda’s NBS TV,where he hosts one of the channel’s prime-time shows.

Speaking on what inspired him to win the prestigious award; Mr. Serwanjja said that Komla Dumor’s work ethics and what he brought into journalism was it for him. Speaking further he narrated how Komla brought so much to the African narrative– “his perspective was a breath of fresh air, as he believed Africa was rising and that

the world required to envision the continent from a different angle”.

He added that Komla’s reports always struck a chord with him, and that he feels the same passion for the continent that he demonstrated.

“I wish to continue his legacy by telling stories that forged a spotlight not just on the vital challenges we have a tendency to face in Africa, but also the progress and successes that have been made”.
Serwanjja was a well-known journalist and his passion for fact-finding journalism highlighted his desire to make  positive amendment in his native country of Uganda.
Serwanjja impressed judges not only with his eloquence and passion for telling African stories, but as well with his commitment and bravery in uncovering what’s in the public interest. He has also produced award-winning reports, including one for BBC’s Africa Eye Programme about the illegal sale of prescription drugs. Serwanjja is the fifth winner of the award, following in the footsteps of Waihiga Mwaura, Amina Yuguda, Didi Akinyelure and fellow Ugandan Nancy Kacungira.

The Award entails Serwanjja spending three months at the BBC’s London office where he will report on a story. Speaking on the Award, the Director of BBC World Service Group Jamie Angus said that to recognize and empower some of Africa’s leading talent in journalism in honour of Komla is really important to the BBC. The organization he said will be happy to have Mr.Serwanjja at its London office to harness Komla’s commitment to telling Africa’s stories. It could be recalled that Komla Dumor joined the BBC African Service in London as host of the radio programme Network Africa.

Read also : APO Group African Women in Media Award to Recognise Support of Female Journalists for Women’s Entrepreneurship in Africa

From 2008 to 2012 he presented the world today on the BBC World Service.
In 2011 Dumor began presenting the world News and Africa Business Report on BBC World News and early mornings on BBC One and also the BBC News Channel.

When the latter was relaunched in 2013, fellow BBC correspondent Lerato Mbele was chosen as host. Peter Horrocks, the BBC’s Global News Director described him as a leading light of African journalism, committed to telling the story of Africa as it really is.

At the time of his death, Dumor was the sole West African newscaster on BBC World News.

Kelechi Deca

Kelechi Deca has over two decades of media experience, he has traveled to over 77 countries reporting on multilateral development institutions, international business, trade, travels, culture, and diplomacy. He is also a petrol head with in-depth knowledge of automobiles and the auto industry.

Tags: ,