)
)
Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among during plenary led the commemoration. She acknowledged that Article 29 of Uganda's Constitution guarantees freedom of expression, but emphasized the need for journalists to ensure it's not abused. This suggests a potential concern about the content being produced by the media.
Ms. Among further highlighted that these principles align with the 1995 Constitution, indicating a legal framework for press freedom within the country. However, her statement left room for interpretation on how this framework is being implemented.
The Leader of the Opposition, Joel Ssenyonyi, used the occasion to raise concerns about the working conditions faced by journalists in Uganda. He pointed out the financial hardships journalists endure due to poor pay by media houses. This highlights a potential economic pressure that could impact journalistic independence.
Respect journalists' rights
)
)
)
More strikingly, Mr. Ssenyonyi criticized the "brutality" journalists face from the state. This suggests a potential climate of intimidation and violence against those working in the media. He called for a commitment from the government to respect journalists' rights and for media owners to improve working conditions.
“Our hope is that we can get commitment from Government on this particular issue, but also to call upon employers of these journalists because as the state brutalizes them, their employers in one way or another ill treat some of them through poor pay,” Ssenyonyi said.
“I hope this day is a reminder to all stakeholders to treat journalists with respect and to empower them as they carry out their mandate.”
While Uganda has a legal framework for press freedom, its implementation seems uneven. Journalists continue face intimidation, violence, and economic hardship, potentially impacting their ability to report freely.