My name is Edgar R. Batte. I am a passionate journalist and photographer. The two have let me express myself variously, to document for more than 10 years at Monitor Publications Limited, under Nations Media Group, among other media platforms.
My journey as a journalist was triggered at a tender age, through reading newspapers and the ‘World Almanac’ which opened my mind and imagination to people and events around the globe.
Later on, as a pupil at Mugwanya Preparatory School, Kabojja (MPSK), I paid keen interest to the English subject owing to two teachers, namely Angelo Kizito and Angelo Yasaba who didn’t entertain poor learners.
When my big brother, the late Francis Batte Jr. started practicing sports journalism at The Monitor newspaper, I was further inspired. When I felt ready to cut my teeth, Mark Ssali held my hand and supported me.
He led me to Sarah Namulondo whose kindness and guidance started me off on this professional journey. She was my first mentor, and later on became a friend. I was in Senior Four (S.4).
RIP Sarah. May the lord have mercy on your soul. In school, I was part of the ‘Writers’ Clubs’, a basic way to keep the writing skills alive. Reading articles authored by Sarah, Daniel K. Kalinaki, Wahome Mutahi, Joachim Buwembo and Andrew Ndawula both inspired and re-enforced my motivation to become a journalist thanks to their flair, humour and professional touch.
Along the way, two of my editors and superiors, namely Carol Beyanga and Henry H. Ssali shaped me into a good journalist with hands-on lessons and mentorship.
When I sought an opportunity to fortify my skill set, and become a photographer too, the duo made sure I put in the time to patiently appreciate that photography is a continuous journey of learning and practice.
Apart from Daily Monitor newspaper, my articles and photographs have been published https://horizonguides.com/uganda, World Bank online platforms, www.musicinafrica.net, in The East African, Eyecon Magazine, The Citizen, The Metro, among others.
As a writer, I am required to generate story ideas, be guided on how to execute them. I take assignments and execute them to a satisfactory level. I am proud to have covered the World Trade Organization (WTO) conference in 2005 under auspices of Action Aid International (AAI).
I am a graduate of Mass Communication from Makerere University Kampala (MUK). I am currently pursuing a master’s degree in diplomacy and international relations.
