Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda (HRNJ-Uganda) is extremely
concerned with the superfluous and uncalled for politicization and
criminalization of the media by ‘labeling’ journalists ‘pro-Mbabazi’ to mean
that they are inclined and supporters of the Rt. Hon. Prime Minister, John
Patrick Amama Mbabazi. This unjustified labeling of journalists has sent shock
waves, caused panic and stress among media practitioners and many are acting
under pressure from their employers and audiences to prove that they are not
compromised.
Journalists are supposed to be impartial and objective in the course
of their work. So, this labeling amounts to persecution and poses a threat to
the lives and job security of the named journalists. It has been made difficult
to report on the NRM political party matters without fear or favor or without
being labeled pro or anti Mbabazi.
HRNJ-Uganda has talked to a number of journalists on the said list;
most of them have vehemently denied being inclined to any political camp. Some
are so surprised that their names could make such a list which has horrible
political implications to their career. Some journalists
believe that their names were copied and pasted from sign-in books in
Parliament or Media Centre, disturbing however is how some editors who never go
to the field had their names on the said list. This behavior from State operatives who do the labeling is intended to
deny the public the right information pertaining to issues within the ruling
NRM party.
You will recall that early this month, an alleged list of 150
journalists reportedly compiled by State operatives was said to have been
presented to State House, accusing the journalists of being biased in their
coverage in favor of Mr. Mbabazi. This has come at a critical time of
heightened political tension within the ruling NRM where the Prime Minister
Amama Mbabazi is accused of nurturing ambitions to contest in the 2016
presidential elections and undermining his boss the President.
HRNJ-Uganda believes that the ongoing debates within the NRM as to who
should contest for presidency is a matter of public interest as well as
national importance which journalists must cover accurately and offer all views
an equal opportunity with a view of helping
the citizens make informed decisions in their way of judgment. However
this should not be construed to mean that when one side is offered space it
amounts to being pro the views of that side.
Persecution of journalists because of their work has a huge chilling
effect on the media industry; it is intended to stifle public debate on the
affairs of the party that was entrusted with the responsibility of managing
Uganda’s public affairs. This pattern of events is further contributing to the
already worsening space for the media that is getting narrower and narrower everyday
especially when it comes to reporting about governance issues.
HRNJ-Uganda would therefore recommend the
following;
- We call upon the media managers/ proprietors and journalists to stand firm and resist the political temptations to compromise their quality of work and consequently the industry
- Call upon the State agencies and NRM party functionaries to desist from politicizing, criminalization and persecution of journalists because of their professional work
- The State House and the relevant authorities should come out and explain the said list and what it is intended for
- The media should be allowed to operate freely without this undue pressure which is detrimental to the notion of holding leaders accountable.
- The state is reminded that the media plays a fundamental role in championing good governance and development and therefore it must restrain from curtailing its freedoms at all times
- The State must uphold its obligations to protect promote and uphold fundamental human rights including those of journalists.
In solidarity, we stand to defend the media
ROBERT SSEMPALA
National Coordinator
Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda
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