Charles Onyango-Obbo: A Towering Figure in African Journalism

 

Charles Onyango-Obbo: A Towering Figure in African Journalism

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Charles "Mase" Onyango-Obbo, born in 1958 in Mbale, Eastern Uganda, is a distinguished Ugandan author, journalist, and media expert whose influence spans across East Africa and beyond. Renowned for his fearless journalism and insightful political commentary, Onyango-Obbo's career is marked by his unwavering commitment to press freedom, which has earned him recognition as one of Africa’s finest journalists. 

Early Life and Education

Onyango-Obbo’s educational journey began at St. Leo’s College, Kyegobe in Fort Portal, Uganda, where he studied from 1971 to 1976. He later attended Makerere University, the oldest and most prestigious public university in Uganda, from 1977 to 1980, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism. His academic pursuit continued at the American University in Cairo, where he obtained a Master of Arts in Journalism between 1981 and 1983. In 1991, his dedication to the craft earned him a prestigious Nieman Fellowship at Harvard University, further solidifying his growing influence in the field.

Career Milestones

Onyango-Obbo’s professional career is a testament to his resilience and dedication to truth-telling. He first rose to prominence as the Managing Editor of The Monitor (now Daily Monitor), Uganda's leading independent daily newspaper. His tenure at The Monitor spanned over a decade, during which he and his team faced numerous legal battles with the Ugandan government. In late 1997, he and Andrew Mwenda, then a reporter with The Monitor, were arrested and charged with "publication of false news" after the paper published a story alleging that Uganda had received gold as compensation from the Kinshasa government of Laurent Kabila. This case, which they eventually won in the Uganda Supreme Court in 2003, was a landmark victory for press freedom in Uganda.

In May 1999, during the Second Congo War, Onyango-Obbo and other editors of The Monitor were again arrested and charged with "sedition" and "publication of false news" after publishing a photograph that Ugandan officials claimed falsely depicted Ugandan soldiers committing abuses. Onyango-Obbo’s relentless defense of his work eventually led to his acquittal in March 2001. However, the challenges didn’t end there. In October 2002, he was arrested yet again, this time accused of aiding the enemies of Uganda after publishing a story about a possible rebel attack. Despite facing over 120 court appearances between 1997 and 2003, Onyango-Obbo remained undeterred, symbolizing the struggle for media independence in Uganda. 

In January, 2021 he was recognised among 100 Most Influential Africans 2020 issued by New African Magazine.

Expanding Horizons: From Uganda to Kenya

In 2003, after years of legal battles and mounting pressure from the Ugandan government, Onyango-Obbo made the difficult decision to leave Uganda. He accepted an offer from Nation Media Group, which had acquired a majority stake in The Monitor, to move to Nairobi, Kenya. There, he spearheaded the group’s media convergence operations as the Executive Editor for the Africa and Digital Media Division. His work in this role (2003-2014) was instrumental in modernizing the group’s media strategies and expanding its digital presence across the continent.

In 2014, Onyango-Obbo transitioned to a new challenge, taking the helm at Mail & Guardian Africa, a digital news platform owned by South Africa's Mail & Guardian. As Africa Editor, he played a crucial role in establishing the platform as a leading source of news and analysis on African affairs. However, two years later, he left the platform to pursue his entrepreneurial ambitions, launching his own digital media ventures, including Africa Explainer, AfricaPedia, and Rogue Chiefs. These platforms have continued to contribute to the discourse on African issues, reflecting Onyango-Obbo's enduring commitment to providing a voice for the continent.

Continued Influence and Legacy

Today, Charles Onyango-Obbo continues to shape the narrative around African politics, society, and culture through his work. He writes three influential columns: "Ear to the Ground" in The Monitor, a second column in the regional weekly The EastAfrican, and a third in the Daily Nation. His insightful commentary and deep understanding of the complexities of African issues have cemented his status as a thought leader in the media industry.

Onyango-Obbo’s legacy is one of courage, resilience, and an unyielding commitment to the principles of free speech and independent journalism. Despite the numerous challenges he has faced, he remains a towering figure in African journalism, inspiring both his peers and the next generation of journalists.

His story is a powerful reminder of the vital role that a free press plays in holding power to account and informing the public, and it continues to resonate across the continent and beyond.

PHOTO CREDIT: All 📸photos used in this blog post are courtesy photos  

Profile compiled by Rhyman Agaba 

Editor of this publication.

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