Uganda, May 6 -- Last Sunday, May 3, 2026, was World Press Freedom Day. I showed up at the UBC grounds in Kampala for a simple reason, to walk, listen, and absorb wisdom.

Indeed, we marched about seven kilometres. That was light work. My step counter barely noticed.

Then came the speeches. The line-up was intimidating. A minister. regulators. seasoned journalists. People who have lived the media. I was ready to sit, listen, and behave. Then my good friend, Paul Ekochu, decided otherwise. He casually threw me onto a panel. No warning. No preparation. I had no minute to consult with my trusted advisor, Google. But given his gravitas as Chairman of the Media Council of Uganda, I had to oblige. So I spoke. A bit disjointed. A bit honest. A ...