The Role of Sports Journalism in Promoting Youth Participation and Development in Uganda Sports: A Case Study of Uganda Christian University (Ucu)
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Date
2025-12-18
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Uganda Christian University
Abstract
This study aimed at exploring the role of sports journalism in promoting youth participation and
development in Ugandan sports: a case study of Uganda Christian University (UCU). The study
was guided by the following objectives; analyzing the extent to which sports journalism influences
youths’ willingness to participate and develop their abilities in sports in UCU, identifying the
challenges faced by sports journalists in promoting the participation and development of youth
centred sports coverage in UCU, and suggesting strategies for enhancing the effectiveness of sports
journalism in promoting youth sports and development in UCU.
The study employed the use of a case research design where qualitative research approach was
used. The methods of data collection used during the study were obtained through in-depth
interviews and key informant interviews. A sample of 20 sports students was using the principle
of saturation and simple random sampling, whereas the key informants who are sports journalists
from The Standard UCU who cover sports activities in UCU and the management of sports
department in UCU were selected using purposive sampling method.
The study found that UCU's sports journalism program is very important for getting more young
people engaged and helping them get better at what they do. This is because it makes sure that
student players are known, encouraged, and praised. On the other hand, there are issues, like not
having enough money, bad communication, and not having enough people representing some
sports. This makes it hard to cover everything and make the tool better. According to the study,
the most important things for getting more people involved, making sure everyone felt welcome,
and helping people improve their skills were regular reporting, using digital platforms, showing
role models, and working with sports management.
Lastly, the study recommended the need for increasing and consistently maintaining coverage of
students sports, leveraging digital and social media platforms, highlighting student achievements
and role models, enhancing collaboration between the sports department and journalists, and
incorporating educational and skill-development content to boost visibility, engagement, talent
development, and sustained youth participation in sports at UCU.
Description
Undergraduate
Keywords
SPORTS JOURNALISM AND YOUTH DEVELOPMENT