We won’t repress media â€" govt

May 23, 2008

THE Government does not want to crack down on the media, information minister Kirunda Kivejinja has said.

By Cyprian Musoke
THE Government does not want to crack down on the media, information minister Kirunda Kivejinja has said.

Addressing journalists at the Media Centre in Kampala yesterday, he explained that the Government would instead formulate a framework on how the media would contribute towards the socio-economic transformation of the economy.

Kivejinja added that the Constitution clearly stipulates how the Executive, the Legislature and the Judiciary, operate but the roles of media, which is the fourth estate, were not defined.

“For an organ of the Government to discuss the role of the media in a society is not a conspiracy but a legitimate duty. After the necessary debate, we shall have retreats with the media and other affected organs such that we come up with a solution to our peaceful and useful co-existence,” he said.

The minister was clarifying reports that the Government had set up a sub-committee to investigate radio stations and newspapers that give negative publicity to the Government.

The team is expected to study the aspects of media management including the media laws, funding, manpower, training and qualifications, a source told The New Vision.

It is headed by the Minister of Public Service, Henry Kajura. The members are of Kivejinja, Attorney General Kiddhu Makubuya, security minister Amama Mbabazi, information and communication technology minister Ham Mulira and integrity state minister Nsaba Buturo.

But journalists yesterday claimed that the Cabinet sub-committee, which was established during a retreat Statistics House in Kampala, was set up to investigate their work.

Kivejinja said the Cabinet decided to have a retreat “to appreciate in greater depth the inner intricacies of the media in general, its application and function in our society.”

“We also wanted to generate ideas for a framework for its positive and complimentary participation in society as a responsible tool in the governance and transformation in accordance with the agreed national vision,” Kivejinja said.

“The mere fact that the media has now taken centre stage in the Cabinet, I think I have done my role. What will be resolved will not be a conspiracy, but something carefully deliberated on by the State. But I love you (press) so much why would I crack down on you?” he asked.

Many journalists have over the past months been questioned or charged over stories alleged to be seditious.

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