In an effort to encourage journalists to report on child rights issues and the contributions by child rights advocates, World's Children's Ugandan Journalist Award, a body launched on November 26 at Buganda Road Primary School, is set to reward journalists who have covering children's activities.

"This award will help Uganda implement the UN Convention on the rights of the children," Ms Rose Gamwera, the coordinator of World's Children's Prize Foundation Uganda, said. The World's Children's Prize for the Rights of the Child, is owned by over 23 million children in 53,000 schools in 101 countries.

Mr Gamwera said the award, organised by Sweden-based World's Children's Prize Foundation in conjuction with the Uganda Local Government Association and Magsser Foundation, will also enable journalists give children a platform to express issues that affect them.

The coordinator of Magsser Foundation, Mr John Serubiri, said this is the first award of its kind in Uganda and journalists should utilise the chance and start reporting on child-related issues. The prize winner will be awarded a diploma and $1,000 (Shs1.8m), of which $500 (Shs0.9m) will go to an organisation championing the rights of children.