HISTORY
The Network of Climate Change Journalists of the Greater Horn of Africa (NECJOGHA) was formed in 2002 in Eldoret, Kenya, during the ninth Climate Outlook Forum (COF9) after a series of discussions between journalists and climate scientists at climate outlook forums and users’ workshops.
About Our Founder: Patrick Luganda (late),
Patrick Luganda (October 08, 1957 – 2020) was a distinguished Ugandan journalist, media trainer, and climate change advocate, whose visionary leadership profoundly shaped climate communication across Africa and globally. As the long-standing chairperson and founder of the Network of Climate Journalists in the Greater Horn of Africa (NECJOGHA) from 2002 until his passing in 2020, he was the driving force behind our organization’s mission to bridge the gap between scientific knowledge and community action.
Luganda’s career began as an agricultural reporter for Uganda’s New Vision newspaper, where he developed a deep understanding of the vulnerabilities of farming to environmental factors. This foundational experience propelled him into specializing in science communication, always aiming to translate complex information into actionable knowledge for communities grappling with climate change and food insecurity.
A pioneer in his field, Patrick Luganda conceived and championed the innovative “Climate Cafés,” which were first piloted in Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania in 2016. These vital forums connected journalists, meteorologists, and local communities, demystifying complex climate terminology and facilitating a two-way flow of information to empower individuals, particularly farmers and fishermen, to make informed decisions about their livelihoods. He was a strong advocate for simplifying scientific concepts into “farm talk” and common language, ensuring that vital information was deeply understood and effectively utilized.
Beyond NECJOGHA, Luganda’s regional influence extended as Chairman of the Forum of Climate Change Journalists in Eastern and Southern Africa (FCCJESA) Steering Committee, covering 28 African countries. In this role, he mobilized journalists to combat climate change and environmental degradation through education and public awareness.
His impactful work garnered significant international recognition, including the prestigious H.A. Boerma Award in 1998-1999 for his exceptional contribution to global agricultural journalism. He was a respected voice in global discourse, participating in forums like the El Niño 2015 Conference and contributing to platforms like SciDev.Net.
Patrick Luganda’s unique and enduring legacy lies in his exceptional ability to bridge the critical gap between scientific communities, media practitioners, and local populations. He professionalized climate journalism in Africa, building robust networks and frameworks for knowledge dissemination and advocacy that continue to inspire and empower.
Though he tragically succumbed to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, his methodologies, strategic vision, and the robust networks he built, including NECJOGHA, continue to serve as a powerful and inspiring framework for climate resilience and sustainable development on the African continent.