Irene Abalo Otto’s journey into the Master of Arts in Digital Journalism (MADJ) programme at the Aga Khan University Graduate School of Media and Communications (GSMC) wasn’t just a step in her career; it was a pivotal moment. Having deepened her passion for digital storytelling during the Nation Media Lab Programme, she was ready to elevate her skills and pursue journalism at a higher level.
As a seasoned journalist and sub-editor at Nation Media Group in Uganda, Irene was no stranger to challenges. But nothing could have prepared her for the one she faced just days before classes began: a brutal assault on February 17, 2021, left her with severe injuries to her lower left leg. "My injuries were the result of a beating using batons,” she explains. “I’ve since undergone two surgeries to help regenerate the damaged tissues around my ankle."
Despite the chronic pain and physical limitations that followed, Irene's commitment to learning remained unshaken. "I had to sit in class with my leg elevated on a pillow,” she recalls. “But the hospital, classmates, and faculty were all so understanding."
What truly sets Irene’s GSMC experience apart is not just her incredible personal resilience, but the extraordinary support she found within the GSMC community. From fellow students to faculty, Irene discovered a sense of belonging that empowered her through immense physical and emotional hurdles. "The university never made me feel like a burden. I was slow, but I was part of the team," she affirms. Even travel, with its unhelpful airport experiences, couldn’t dim her spirit. "I didn’t give up. I asked the doctors to teach me how to manage the pain, with or without medication. I embraced every chance to leave the house and be with people."
Balancing pain management, research, and coursework, Irene not only completed her master’s in digital journalism but, remarkably, also graduated in the same year with another master’s in international relations and diplomacy. With quiet pride, she shares, "I was doing research for one while studying for the other. I graduated with two master’s degrees in one year." Throughout this demanding period, her dedication to growth and contribution remained steadfast. While her injury prevents her from reporting from the field, this experience ignited a significant and inspiring career shift: Irene now dedicates her efforts to training the next generation of journalists across Uganda.
"I realized I could teach. I could train others on mobile journalism, gender reporting in elections, investigations, and health reporting," Irene explains. Her passion for journalism was rekindled within the classroom, where GSMC’s emphasis on mentorship, gender equality, and practical storytelling profoundly shaped her. "I came back with knowledge I couldn’t apply fully but I wasn’t going to let it sit idle. I’m now empowering others to tell impactful stories." This spirit of altruism earned her GSMC’s Community Service Award, a recognition she found both unexpected and deeply affirming. "You never know who’s watching. That award felt like the final topping on the cake."
Irene’s message to aspiring journalists is clear and compelling: "Keep standing out for journalism. Keep training people to tell stories that change lives. In this age of social media noise, we need impactful, ethical journalism more than ever."
