Forgotten Hero of Journalism: Michael Arereng Reflects on a Lifetime of Serving Africa

KAMPALA — Veteran journalist Michael Arereng has reflected on his decades-long career interviewing some of Africa’s most prominent presidents, saying he is proud to have served Uganda but feels his contribution has largely been forgotten.

Speaking to Osmara Digital Media in Kampala, Arereng said his international broadcasting career gave him the opportunity to interview former African leaders, including the late Zambian President Kenneth Kaunda, former Democratic Republic of Congo President Joseph Kabila, former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, former Tanzanian President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete and Uganda’s President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.

Arereng said he interviewed Museveni in Swahili both in Uganda and South Africa, alongside other African presidents who spoke the language. “I’m very glad I served the nation, only that I’ve been forgotten to be one of the heroes,” Arereng said. His journalism journey began as a presenter before he joined Radio Uganda, now Uganda Broadcasting Corporation (UBC), where he worked in the Swahili Service.

He later became one of Uganda’s notable sports commentators and covered wars before spending about 30 years at Radio Uganda.

After leaving Radio Uganda, Arereng expanded his career across East Africa and internationally. He worked as a station manager at Kampala African Radio, a programme manager, and later as news editor and head of the Swahili Service at WBS Television.

He also worked with East Africa Radio and Tanzania’s national broadcaster, now known as Tanzania Broadcasting Corporation (TBC).

His international broadcasting experience included the Swahili services of Voice of America, Deutsche Welle and the BBC. In 2008, Arereng joined Channel Africa, the international radio service of the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), as an executive producer. He spent 10 years working in Johannesburg.

It was during this period that he interviewed several African heads of state and other influential figures, building a reputation as an experienced Swahili-language broadcaster.

Despite his extensive career, Arereng says he has not received the level of recognition he believes many veteran journalists deserve.

“But one day, time will come and I will shine,” he said. He said one of his dreams is to meet President Museveni again, noting that the President already knows and appreciates his work.

Arereng also recalled serving as Master of Ceremonies during the 2024 graduation of Kiswahili students sponsored by President Museveni.

He said Museveni was pleased with the event and mentioned his name, an experience Arereng described as a sign that his contribution has not gone completely unnoticed.

For Arereng, the call for recognition is not simply personal. He believes Uganda should remember journalists who spent decades building the country's media industry, covering difficult events and taking Uganda and Africa's stories to international audiences.

After more than three decades behind the microphone and newsroom desk, Arereng says his greatest satisfaction remains having served his country and continent through journalism.