The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has called on the government to respect the safety and independence of journalists, saying the media plays a critical role in strengthening democracy and protecting human rights in Uganda.
Speaking during the commemoration of World Press Freedom Day at the society’s offices in Kampala, Audrey Apio Afra, the head of Rule of Law at the ULS, said attacks against journalists continue to threaten media freedom in the country.
Apio, who represented the Chief Executive Officer of the Uganda Law Society, said the country witnessed disturbing incidents during the recently concluded general elections, where several journalists were assaulted, intimidated, unlawfully arrested, and had their equipment confiscated or destroyed while carrying out their work.
“In recent years, especially during the just concluded elections, the country witnessed disturbing reports where many journalists were assaulted, brutalised, intimidated, unlawfully arrested, and had their equipment confiscated and destroyed in the course of duty,” Apio said.
She noted that such actions undermine not only media freedom but also the public’s right to access information.
“When journalists are silenced, society loses its watchdog role, which weakens democracy,” she added.
Apio said the ULS recognises journalism not merely as a profession but as a noble public service to citizens. She called for a stronger and more empowered fourth estate to support nation-building and accountability.
During the event, lawyers also recognised journalist Doreen Dorothy Nalumansi for what they described as courageous reporting during the last presidential election.
Nalumansi was praised for producing impactful print and audiovisual stories covering campaigns by the National Unity Platform despite operating under tense and risky conditions.
Media scholar and executive director of the African Centre for Media Excellence (ACME), Dr George Lugalambi, expressed concern about the economic sustainability of both mainstream and online media houses due to increasing competition and declining revenues.
“There is a need for journalists to become more creative and innovative by using available technological tools so they can remain competitive and attract advertising revenue to support media organisations economically,” Lugalambi said.
George Musisi cautioned government agencies and security operatives against violating the rights of journalists, saying the media plays an essential role in promoting democracy.
“Journalists help build democracy, and their work should not be undermined,” Musisi said.
Peter Bernhardt, a visiting lawyer and senior consultant from Germany, commended journalists around the world for their watchdog, information, mobilisation, and agenda-setting roles in society.
However, he urged media practitioners to remain objective and adhere to professional ethics.
