Media Colloquium Report

While Uganda has progressively enjoyed a vibrant print and electronic media, and enacted freedom of information laws, free speech faces serious constraints and access to information is limited. With elections slated for 2011, increasing government control over the press threatens democratic development.

This OSIEA report evaluates the progress of press freedom and access to information in Uganda. It discusses the need to protect fundamental freedoms, expand the space for public debate and access to independent and credible information, ahead of the 2011 general elections. The report condemns state control of the media and abuse of journalists' rights, and calls on the Government of Uganda to review laws that restrict press freedom, specifically laws on libel, sedition, obscenity, and invasion of privacy.

According to the report, for the media to play a meaningful role in promoting democratic governance and truly serve the public interest, the industry must strive for greater openness. Journalists themselves must demand greater editorial independence and advocate for strong media institutions.

The report calls on journalists in Uganda to unite and establish an umbrella professional association to set ethical standards for journalism, rejecting self-censorship and encouraging objective, investigative reporting; and help protect press freedom and provide collective security for journalists threatened by the state. It also recommends stronger partnerships between the media and civil society for strategic engagements, as the two mutually reinforce each other.