PRESS: Journalists and Media Practitioners in Uganda have used the 30th anniversary of World Press Freedom Day to call for their guaranteed freedom and safety on the course of their duty.
In their various social media posts to commemorate the Press Freedom day marked on every 3rd May, Journalists, Media Advocacy Organisations and Media houses have reminded the government and the stakeholders of the need to respect their commitment to Press Freedom
This year’s World Press Freedom Day theme is “Shaping a Future of Rights: Freedom of Expression as a driver for all other Human Rights”. This year also marks the 30th anniversary of the UN General Assembly’s decision to proclaim International Press Freedom Day
Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda (HRNJ-Ug) an NGO which enhances the promotion, protection & respect of the rights of journalists through research, advocacy, legal support, capacity building, & emergency support through their twitter handle said, When freedom of expression and media freedom are stifled, all other freedoms are at risk. Without them, we cannot eliminate poverty and hunger, and promote sustainable development, or build transparent institutions
“Access to verified and balanced information helps us to understand the world and to express informed, fact-based opinions. Let’s defend journalism, let’s defend the free, pluralistic and independent press,” HRNJ Tweeted
Mr. Robert Ssempala the Executive Director of HRNJ-Ug made an international call on governments to protect journalists and promote media freedom, end Impunity for media crimes
“If everything is alright in the news, something is wrong in journalism. Press Freedom is a vehicle of all other rights,” Ssempala said
The African Centre for Media Excellence (ACME) said Freedom of the media is a keystone to enabling citizen’s rights to freedom of expression and access to information. Journalists are essential in creating spaces for ideas to be debated and for the voiceless to be heard.
Chapter Four Uganda, a non-profit, legal & advocacy Organisation that provides strategic legal response to defend civil liberties said, an independent, principled and strong media serves as a guarantee for our freedoms – as a bulwark against abuse of power and holds leaders to account. It’s an important element of democracy.’
Recently, the National Association of Broadcasters in Uganda (NAB) led by their President Mr. Kin Kaliisa written a letter to the Inspector General of Police Martin Okoth Ochola expressing their dissatisfaction with the continuous assault & brutal attacks on journalists by security forces in Uganda on their course of duty.
On World Press Freedom Day 2023, UNESCO has organized a special anniversary event at UN headquarters in New York, marking the 30 years since the UN General Assembly’s decision proclaiming an international day for press freedom.
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