UGANDAN JOURNALISTS ASKED TO TAKE UP THEIR CIVIL RESPONSIBILITIES

Written by: 
David Magere

Journalists have been urged to take up their social responsibilities as the watchdog role players in promoting democracy and efficient electoral processes in Uganda.

While addressing journalists at this year’s World Press Freedom Day in Kampala, Med Kaggwa, the Chairperson Uganda Human Rights Commission said that the media practitioners should exercise their duties to further democracy.

The remarks were made during the World Press Freedom Day Commemoration at Kampala Railway Grounds on Friday, 3rd May 2019 under the theme: “Media for Democracy: Journalism and Election in Times of Disinformation.”

Kaggwa further expressed that it is also the responsibility of every stakeholder to ensure freedom of the media, being a human right. He also called upon the stakeholders to applaud the media for the good work they are doing.

Mary Karooro Okurut, the Minister for General Duties who represented the Chief Guest, Hon. Jacob Oulanyah said that journalists should report professionally.

Karooro also advised journalists to desist from stories that incite the public.

Robert Ayeda Kotchani, a representative from the High Commission for Human Rights, UN (OHCHR) said that the UN encourages professionalism in journalism.

The main event took place at Kampala Railway Grounds, that first started by freedom march around Kampala City streets, graced by different stakeholders.

The conclusion event was at Golf Course Hotel with a dialogue and plenary discussions on media election-related responsibilities.