Breaking Barriers in Media: Barbara Kaija's rise from teaching to leading Vision Group as Uganda's first female Chief Editor
On #RystarLadies this week, we feature Barbara Kaija's amazing career story: From teaching to leading Vision Group's editorial vision
Barbara Kaija stands out as an iconic figure in Ugandan journalism and education, holding the prestigious position of Editor-in-Chief and Head of Content Generation at Vision Group. Her career, which spans over three decades, reflects a journey marked by dedication, resilience, and a commitment to elevating journalistic standards across Uganda.
Educational Background
Barbara's academic journey began at Makerere University, where she pursued her passion for education, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education. Her quest for knowledge didn't stop there; she furthered her studies at the same institution, achieving a Master of Arts degree in Education.
Her academic pursuits later led her beyond Uganda’s borders to Rhodes University in Grahamstown, Eastern Cape, South Africa, where she earned a Master of Arts in Journalism and Media Studies.
Barbara Kaija is internationally recognized for her contributions to journalism and leadership within the media industry. She is notably affiliated with the World Association of News Publishers (WAN-IFRA), where she has made significant impacts.
In 2018, she was honored with the prestigious Women in News Editorial Leadership Award by WAN-IFRA. This award celebrated her exemplary leadership at Vision Group, where she has played a pivotal role in shaping editorial strategy across multiple media platforms in Uganda. The recognition also highlighted her broader influence on journalism in Africa, particularly her advocacy for women in the media.(WAN-IFRA Events, New Vision).
Kaija's international involvement extends beyond awards; she has also participated in global media events and initiatives under WAN-IFRA, contributing to discussions on media development and the future of journalism(WAN-IFRA Events).
In addition to her academic credentials, she holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Practical Journalism from Cardiff, Wales, obtained under the sponsorship of the esteemed Thomson Foundation.
Career Journey
Barbara Kaija’s association with Vision Group began in 1992 when she was hired as a sub-editor trainee. Her talent and dedication quickly became evident, and she steadily climbed the ranks, assuming increasingly significant roles within the organization. As Deputy Features Editor, and later as Features Editor—a position she held for a remarkable ten years—Barbara honed her skills and contributed immensely to the organization’s editorial voice.
In 2006, her career reached a new milestone when she was appointed Deputy Editor-in-Chief. This role was a prelude to her groundbreaking achievement in 2010, when she became the Editor-in-Chief of Vision Group.
This historic appointment made her the first Ugandan woman to hold the position of chief editor at a major newspaper in the country’s history.
As Editor-in-Chief, Barbara Kaija oversees the journalistic standards and strategic direction of all media platforms under Vision Group, including print, radio, television, internet, and social media. Her leadership is characterized by a deep commitment to integrity, quality, and the evolution of journalism in an increasingly digital world.
Personal Life and Influence
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Barbara Kaija is grounded by her personal values. She is married and identifies as a born-again Christian, with her faith playing a central role in guiding her life and decisions. Her passion for journalism is matched by her dedication to education. She is a strong advocate for "development journalism," a field in which she has not only specialized but also imparted her knowledge to many of Uganda’s top multimedia journalists.
Barbara Kaija’s story is one of trailblazing achievement and unwavering dedication to the advancement of journalism and education in Uganda. Her legacy continues to inspire the next generation of journalists and educators.
📹CLICK LINK to watch her video https://x.com/newvisionwire/status/1826567586667970908
"On August 22, this year, Vision Group launched discounted workbooks for primary pupils. It is holiday time and our children can rest and still do revision at leisure. The Vision workbooks are complete with answer books to enable the child do self-paced learning. Get copies from any Vision Group vendor,"-Barbra Kaija .
🎤RYSTAR QUOTES: IN HER OWN WORDS:
🎤RYSTAR QUOTES:
IN HER OWN WORDS: "Legacy media is still relevant; it sets the agenda for the media eco-system in Uganda. 89% of Ugandans get their information from Radio, 39% from Television and 13% from online platforms and all derive their stories from legacy media," Barbra Kaija Editor in Chief - Vision Group."🎤
PHOTO CREDIT: All 📸photos used in this blog post are courtesy photos
Profile compiled by Rhyman Alphred Agaba
Editor of this publication.
Contact us via email : 💻agabarhy@gmail.com
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