Uganda will on May 3 join the rest of the world to mark World Press Freedom Day, but journalists say they continue to face persistent challenges, including low pay, harassment by security agencies and violations of media rights.
Addressing journalists at a joint press conference at the Uganda Media Centre, Paul Ekochu acknowledged the difficulties affecting the profession. He, however, urged reporters to uphold professionalism, ethics and responsible reporting.
“Going forward, reporters should have the necessary qualifications to enable them to bargain with their employers. It is difficult to complain about low pay at a media house without genuine academic documents,” Ekochu said.
He added that the industry has been infiltrated by individuals who are not professionally trained, a situation he said undermines the credibility of qualified journalists.
“I am aware the industry has been infiltrated by people who are not necessarily professional, making it problematic for those who are qualified, to the extent that some write and publish whatever they want,” he said.
Ekochu said the Uganda Media Council continues to engage stakeholders to improve journalists’ welfare. He cited ongoing dialogues with government, security agencies and media owners aimed at strengthening media freedom and working conditions.
This year’s global theme focuses on shaping a peaceful future by promoting press freedom as a pillar for human rights, development and security.
The main national celebrations are being organised by the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC), the Uganda Media Council (UMC), the Uganda Media Sector Working Group (UMSWG), the Editors’ Guild (TEG) and the Uganda Journalists Union (UJU).
The event will be held at the UBC TV offices.
Speaking on behalf of the commission, Lamex Omara Apitta emphasised the need to safeguard media rights and raise public awareness about the role of the press.
“Such commemorations provide a platform for stakeholders to understand the significance of the media industry and the importance of protecting press freedom,” Apitta said.
He also warned about emerging challenges posed by artificial intelligence, noting that it is becoming harder to distinguish between accurate and misleading content.
“We must be critical in this era of AI, where it is increasingly difficult to tell whether published stories are correct or not,” he said.
