Three questions for Prof. William Tayeebwa
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Prof. William Tayeebwa from Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda, is currently researching and teaching at the Institute of Journalism as a Gambrinus Fellow. The scholar is a guest of Prof. Susanne Fengler, professor of international journalism. The Gambrinus Fellowship Program supports guest stays of renowned international scientists at TU Dortmund University and especially promotes the development of new contacts. In this interview, Prof. Tayaabwa talks about international cooperation, his research and his time in Dortmund.
Why is international cooperation important?
Prof. Tayeebwa: Humanity is currently facing many challenges, ranging from unbalanced international trade to climate change to armed conflict. To address these and many other problems, it is necessary to share experiences, skills and competencies. It is also necessary to create a network of like-minded individuals and institutions to address the many global challenges. International collaboration enables the transfer of skills.
What are you currently researching?
The African continent is still plagued by armed conflict. The most recent and shocking is the escalating conflict in Sudan that broke out in mid-April. In such situations, only supranational organizations such as the United Nations (UN) and regional organizations such as the African Union can intervene. Wherever they operate, they need communication tools to reach people with targeted messages, but also to provide impartial channels where all parties can have open discussions to find common ground.
My current research focuses on the work of the UN's radio networks in Africa. I examine how UN peacekeeping missions in Africa use radio to fulfill their mandates. To do so, I look at eight UN peacekeeping radio networks that have supported their respective nations in their national integration and security plans. Likewise, I am interested in how the radio programs have responded to the country-specific goals of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The overall goal is a book project that will involve several co-authors.
What has been your best experience at TU Dortmund so far?
At the end of April, I was invited to present my work on peace media in Africa at a colloquium organized for researchers at the Erich Brost Institute for International Journalism. A total of 13 researchers took part in the event. The most exciting part for me was the research conducted by PhD students in MEDAS 21, a postgraduate program that explores various aspects of international media development assistance in the 21st century. Some of them are currently researching UN media in Africa and we had lively discussions about partnerships in research and publishing.
I also gave my Gambrinus talk on "Around the World in 8 Hours" to faculty and journalism students interested and engaged in global issues. I shared my experiences covering armed conflict in Africa as a journalist and how those experiences later influenced my research on media for peacebuilding. IWe talked about peace media in Africa being supported by the Global North and that youth should benefit from short internships abroad.
The discussions in both events were insightful and enriching. I am grateful for the Gambrinus Fellowship, which made these and many other networks in Europe possible.
Personal details:
Prof. William Tayeebwa's international activities include a number of renowned projects in cooperation with the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD) and numerous international NGOs. As a research partner of Prof. Susanne Fengler, he has contributed to the "Global Handbook of Media Accountability" and the "UNESCOHandbook for Journalism Educators: Reporting on Migrants and Refugees", among others.