By Nathan Eyagu

Soroti City — The Teso Bloggers and Creators Alliance has announced plans to establish a Media Innovation Hub and expand its membership across the entire Teso sub-region, in a strategic move aimed at strengthening digital storytelling, professionalism, and sustainable livelihoods for content creators.

The announcement was made during a high-level summit held on Saturday at Pearl Avenue in Soroti City. The event attracted a large number of bloggers, videographers, photographers, influencers, and media stakeholders under the theme “Celebrate the Journey, Strategize the Future.”

Addressing participants, Alliance Chairperson Samuel Icharat reflected on the journey of digital creators in Teso, noting that many started as independent storytellers with limited resources but a strong passion for community impact.

“This summit is a reflection of how far we have come and a clear signal of where we are headed,” Icharat said. “The Media Innovation Hub we envision will provide shared facilities, modern tools, and a learning space to empower creators to compete professionally at both regional and national levels.”

According to Icharat, the proposed Media Innovation Hub will serve as a central space for content production, skills training, mentorship, and collaboration. It is expected to house modern multimedia equipment, editing suites, and digital learning resources reducing the cost burden currently borne by individual creators.

The Alliance has already taken steps toward professionalization, including the acquisition of a drone camera to enhance coverage of development projects, tourism sites, schools, farms, and public events across the sub-region.

“This is not just equipment,” Icharat emphasized. “It represents our commitment to quality storytelling and responsible digital media.”

Vice Chairperson Ichoto Erasmus emphasized that regional expansion remains a key pillar of the Alliance’s strategy.

“Our goal is to reach every district in Teso,” he said. “We want creators to operate under shared ethical standards, promote development, and act as reliable bridges between leaders and communities.”

He added that the Alliance is seeking stronger partnerships with government institutions, NGOs, and the private sector to support training, information sharing, and sustainable monetization opportunities for creators.

The Alliance highlighted its growing record of impactful community engagement and promotional work. Members have been actively involved in promoting tourism sites across Teso, showcasing cultural heritage, supporting local inventions and talents, and amplifying education-related initiatives.

The group also played a key role in the promotion of the Ecomai Festival held at Lake Opera Shores in Katakwi District, as well as the multimedia production and coverage of the 2025 political debates and various regional events.

Chairperson Icharat called on development partners and public institutions to invest in digital skills training for young people, describing digital literacy as a critical driver of future economic growth.

“Digital skills are no longer optional. They are essential for development, employment, and effective communication,” he said.

The summit attracted several high-profile participants, including a representative of Foreign Affairs Minister Jeje Odongo, Moses Attan, a representative of Ann Adeke Ebaju, and George Okoit the CEO of Teso Textiles,representative of Acom Esther Lucy the Serere district woman MP elect among others.

As the summit concluded, members expressed optimism that the planned Media Innovation Hub and regional expansion would position the TESO Bloggers Alliance as a leading force in digital advocacy, professional content creation, and responsible storytelling in eastern Uganda.

With a renewed sense of unity and a clear strategic direction, the Alliance now looks toward turning its vision into reality for the benefit of creators and communities across Teso.

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