Colleagues Celebrate Daniel Kalinaki's Legacy as He Exits Newsroom

Daniel Kalinaki, fondly called DK, is bowing out of the Daily Monitor newsroom after a distinguished career spanning three decades. Former colleagues and mentees have flooded in with glowing testimonials, highlighting his role in reshaping Ugandan media.

Jim Mugungu, a former political reporter, described Kalinaki as part of a generation that elevated journalism from basic reporting to agenda-setting and accountability. Grace Kenganzi urged him to join the ‘journalism Hall of Fame’ as a truth seeker and leader.

Margaret Vuchiri recalled the star-studded newsroom where Kalinaki shone, mentoring her over nearly two decades despite his deadline quirks. Nicholas Kalungi praised his hands-on teaching, sharing a story of resisting bribes on an oil assignment.

John K. Abimanyi likened him to a ‘Spartan General,’ a titan whose work will echo long after. Evelyn Lirri and Rachel Mabala thanked him for mentorship and making work joyful, with Mabala now calling him a friend from Austria.

Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda noted his rapid rise due to talent spotted by the late Kevin Aliro. Keith Muhumuza compared his immersive writing to literary masters, crediting him for linguistic exploration.

Barbara Among called him an editor who built reporters even while shredding stories. Henry Ssali saw his excellence as inspirational, a ‘polymath of the pen.’ Sheila Nduhukire credited a student talk that launched her career via Media Lab training.

Sheila Naturinda remembered his nurturing and punctuality mantra. Isaac Imaka recalled early mentorship at Makerere, leading to big breaks. Andrew Mwenda hailed his teenage newspaper revival at Busoga College Mwiri.

Others like Eunice Rukundo, Joseph Mazige, and Carol Beyanga shared stories of his no-nonsense kindness, career boosts, and pushing teams beyond comfort zones for better journalism.

These reflections underscore Kalinaki’s enduring influence amid media challenges like politics, finances, and digital shifts.

Source: Daily Monitor