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 12 months’s world theme, “Freedom of expression within the face of the AI Revolution” highlights not solely the evolving challenges posed by know-how but additionally the enduring battle for press freedom and journalistic integrity.
The occasion, organised by the Uganda Parliamentary Press Affiliation (UPPA) with assist from Parliament of Uganda attracted sharp commentary on the state of media freedom in Uganda, punctuated by each reward for democratic positive aspects 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 as a right have been as soon as non-existent.
“Generally we over-concentrate on the place we’re with out reflecting on the place we’ve got come from. We should have a look at Uganda past ourselves. Even within the face of criticism, allow us to acknowledge the progress. In the present day we are able to collect, converse freely, and share our views, one thing that was not at all times potential 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 power. If you find yourself divided, you’re weakened. Allow us to unite and struggle for trigger,” Obua added.
His remarks have 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 underneath siege, with journalists more and more dealing with intimidation and violence.
He cited the current by-election in Kawempe North the place journalists have been reportedly harassed and overwhelmed whereas masking 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 house owners to enhance working circumstances for his or her reporters.
“You anticipate a journalist to convey 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 diminished web prices and highlighted the moral dilemmas confronted by poorly paid journalists.
The Chairperson of Parliament’s Committee on ICT and Nationwide Steering, 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 stage of state dedication to a free and accountable press.
He backed ongoing efforts to decrease web prices and broaden public connectivity to assist 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 in opposition to the press, warning that if unchecked, such behaviour might worsen throughout election intervals.
Charity Ahimbisibwe, the top of the Uganda Ladies Media Affiliation referred to as for the army 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 finally deteriorated attributable to lack of coordination.
Solomon Sserwanja, The Government Director of the African Institute for Investigative Journalism, Solomon Sserwanja condemned the continuing violence in opposition to journalists as a type of suppression of the fourth property.
“We’re chained and we have to break unfastened,” he stated including that, ‘we’ve got larger issues than synthetic intelligence’.
Tororo County South MP, Hon. Geoffrey Ekanya referred to as for deeper funding in investigative journalism, particularly to watch 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.
