Authorities officers, civil society leaders, and journalists gathered on Friday at Parliament to mark World Press Freedom Day, with a unified name for stronger protections for the media.
This yr’s world theme, “Freedom of expression within the face of the AI Revolution” highlights not solely the evolving challenges posed by expertise but additionally the enduring wrestle for press freedom and journalistic integrity.
The occasion, organised by the Uganda Parliamentary Press Affiliation (UPPA) with help from Parliament of Uganda attracted sharp commentary on the state of media freedom in Uganda, punctuated by each reward for democratic beneficial properties and concern over rising threats.
The Authorities Chief Whip, Hon. Denis Hamson Obua, talking urged journalists to replicate not solely on current challenges but additionally on Uganda’s previous, the place freedoms now taken without any consideration had been as soon as non-existent.
“Generally we over-concentrate on the place we’re with out reflecting on the place we now have come from. We should take a look at Uganda past ourselves. Even within the face of criticism, allow us to acknowledge the progress. Right this moment we will collect, converse freely, and share our views, one thing that was not all the time attainable in our historical past,” he stated.
Citing the 1995 Structure and Uganda’s political evolution, Obua emphasised nationwide unity and accountable journalism.
“In my tradition, we are saying Notte en aye Teko—unity is energy. If you end up divided, you might be weakened. Allow us to unite and struggle for a very good trigger,” Obua added.
His remarks had been adopted by a extra vital evaluation from the Chief of the Opposition, Hon. Joel Ssenyonyi.
Ssenyonyi,a former journalist, warned that press freedom in Uganda is below siege, with journalists more and more dealing with intimidation and violence.
He cited the latest by-election in Kawempe North the place journalists had been reportedly harassed and overwhelmed whereas protecting the vote.
“That is unacceptable in a democratic society,” he stated.
Ssenyonyi additionally criticised the Uganda Communications Fee for exerting extreme management over media content material and accused authorities of selectively turning a blind eye to assaults on journalists.
He additional referred to as on media homeowners to enhance working circumstances for his or her reporters.
“You count on a journalist to carry you a narrative, however you haven’t given them transport or paid them in months. That’s not sustainable,” he stated.
Regardless of the contrasting tones, each Ssenyonyi and Obua agreed on the central function of the media in upholding democracy, with Ssenyonyi urging journalists to stay resilient and Obua encouraging continued dialogue past official boards.
UPPA President, Sam Ibanda Mugabi used the event to name for lowered web prices and highlighted the moral dilemmas confronted by poorly paid journalists.
The Chairperson of Parliament’s Committee on ICT and Nationwide Steerage, Hon. Tonny Ayoo added a phrase of warning concerning the rising overlap between journalism and political activism.
He warned that blurring skilled boundaries could provoke state push-back and referred to as for journalists to stay inside moral and authorized frameworks.
“It’s true the media performs an important function in shaping public discourse, however when reporting turns into a centre for political activism, the federal government feels provoked and begins to behave,” Ayoo stated.
Ayoo additional criticised the underfunding of key media regulatory our bodies such because the Media Council and the Uganda Media Centre, arguing that this displays a low degree of state dedication to a free and accountable press.
He backed ongoing efforts to decrease web prices and broaden public connectivity to help media work, particularly forward of the 2026 elections.
Different audio system echoed issues concerning the security and dealing circumstances of journalists.
Kira Municipality MP, Hon. Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda recalled each previous and up to date incidents of brutality towards the press, warning that if unchecked, such behaviour may worsen throughout election intervals.
Charity Ahimbisibwe, the top of the Uganda Girls Media Affiliation referred to as for the navy to be refrained from electoral processes if journalists’ security is to be assured.
Joseph Beyanga of the Nationwide Broadcasters Affiliation emphasised the necessity for stronger dialogue between media homes and safety businesses, stating that success in defending journalists throughout previous elections had been partial and in the end deteriorated resulting from lack of coordination.
Solomon Sserwanja, The Govt Director of the African Institute for Investigative Journalism, Solomon Sserwanja condemned the continued violence towards journalists as a type of suppression of the fourth property.
“We’re chained and we have to break free,” he stated including that, ‘we now have larger issues than synthetic intelligence’.
Tororo County South MP, Hon. Geoffrey Ekanya referred to as for deeper funding in investigative journalism, particularly to observe and maintain safety businesses accountable. He emphasised that solely a daring, well-supported press can successfully shine a lightweight on abuse of energy.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Parliament of the Republic of Uganda.
