The brutality by security personnel against journalists in the line of duty has dominated discussions on press freedom in Uganda during the commemoration of World Press Freedom Day.
Established by the United Nations- in 1993, the World Press Freedom Day serves as a reminder to governments of the need to respect their commitment to press freedom.
It is also a day of reflection among media professionals about issues of press freedom and professional ethics.
The national celebrations were held yesterday at the ICT Hub of the Information and Technology Ministry in Nakawa under the theme, “Information as a Public Good”.
Speakers from the government, media and the international community addressed the growing concern of security brutality against Journalists.
The UN Resident Co-coordinator, Rosa Malango stressed the need for the government to support free and independent journalism in the country.
She sent sympathies to Journalists who have faced the wrath of security like Ghetto TV Ashraf Kasirye who was shot during the campaign trail of the National Unity Platform-NUP presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi.
Ms. Maloango on press freedom;….
The Acting Chairperson of the Uganda Human Rights Commission Dr. Katebalirwe Amooti Wa Irumba, said that the status of press freedom in the country has generally improved but noted that during the 2021 electoral period and the COVID 19 lockdown, press freedom was challenged.
Dr. Katabalirwa Speaking;….
Vincent Bagiire Waiswa, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of ICT, who represented the Minister of ICT told Journalists that the government values and respects their job. END
