The Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) has asked activists to defend the independence of the media.
UHRC Secretary Mr. Gordon Mwesigye said the move will defend the media from at¬tacks on their independence and contribute to the de¬fence of freedom of expres¬sion in respect to the key role the media plays in Uganda.
“It is imperative that we evaluate the challenges facing press freedom in our country,” he said. Mr Mwesigye said the commmemoration of World Press Freedom Day provides an opportunity to all stakeholders to assess progress made in upholding the essential doctrine of press freedom and forge a way forward.
The world over, the press has been a key player in the democratisation and development processes of almost all countries that have made it. This has been achieved mainly through information sharing and the press acting as a watchdog. The press has also facilitated citizens’ enjoyment of the right to freedom of opinion and expression through provision of a platform for the exchange of information and ideas.
Despite the universal recognition of press freedoms, the press world over continues to face serious challenges especially in regard to the enjoyment of press freedoms. Members of the press continue to be victims of arbitrary arrests and illegal detentions, torture, murder, disappearances, extra judicial killings and rape.
On a positive note, he observed that the establishment of the Uganda Human Rights Commission has helped to put in place an institutional mechanism for protection and promotion of Human Rights in Uganda.
Media laws have come into effect since 1993: the Press and Journalist Statute 1995, the Electronic Media Statute (1996), the Uganda Communications Act (1997), the Access to Information Act (2005) and the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda, 1995. The press in Uganda has played a vital role in promoting democratisation, accountability and transparency; exposing corruption and promoting the HIV/Aids and poverty reduction campaigns.
It has also highlighted human rights violations and abuses in the country and increased public debate on various issues that have an impact on the society. It has further been instrumental in the dissemination of information to the public, empowered Ugandans to actively participate in the democratic dispensation, ultimately strengthening the democratic ideals in the country.
UHRC role
The UHRC has since its inception, in 1997, created awareness and promoted press freedom in Uganda. It has conducted advocacy activities; provided human rights training to journalists and handled complaints on violations relating to media freedoms. The Commission has also contributed to the various bills before parliament such as the Access to Information Bill, now an Act; and the proposed bill on Regulation of Interception of Communications Bill 2007, which is currently before Parliament.
Challenges
Among the challenges the media has encountered, is the enactment of laws that limit press freedom such as the Anti-Terrorism Act 2002, some sections of the Penal Code Act, sections of the Press and Journal¬ists Statute, sections of the Electronic Media Statute and the proposed bill on Regulation of Interception of Communications Bill, 2007. Some of the sections in these laws/bills are contentious and therefore pose a threat to the freedom of the press in Uganda.
Mr. Mwesigye said UHRC, will continue to promote and protect the right of access to information, right to freedom of expression and opinion, the right to freedom from torture and cruel, degrading and inhuman treatment or punishment and right to freedom of association and assembly. However, it is important to note that the enjoyment of rights and freedoms has as-sociated duties and responsibilities especially those rights that are not absolute.
|
