Govt believes in free expression—Mbabazi

By Justus Akampa

“Government believes in the freedom of media, and if there is any place where media is free, it is here in Uganda,” Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi has said.

Mbabazi explained that there is no way “we can attack media freedom” because as government, media is one of the vested tools”we can rely on to transform this country.”

The premier was speaking at a dialogue between parliamentary reporters and ministers held at Serena Hotel Kampala on Thursday.

He highlighted the co-existence of the government and media, explaining that the two are partners who need each other and need to work hand in hand towards the development of the country.

 “That is why we need to improve out interactions with the media, mostly on dissemination of information on government programs” said Mbabazi.

He promised to arrange a resolution meeting with the media fraternity, intended to address issues that have been hindering the relationship between government and media.

While opening the dialogue, Mbabazi called upon all journalists present to air out their ideas with out being comprised by any thing

The meet was attende by the minister of information and communication technology Ruhakana Rugunda, third prime minister Moses Ali, local government minister Adolf Mwesigwa , Vision Group CEO Robert Kabushenga and government spokesperson Mary Karooro Okurut.

The aim of the dialogue was to have free interaction between media practitioners specifically those who report at parliament and the executive on issues that could be affecting the smooth operation between the two arms.

It opened up opportunity for several issues and concerns to be raised.

The journalists called for more provision of information by government, press conferences after tabling Bills, use of less technical language, among others. Particularly, there were concerns over ministers who ignore reporters.

Media fraternity under an umbrella association, Uganda Parliamentary Press Association (UPPA) led by their president Agnes Nandutu, an NTV senior reporter applauded the prime minister for coming up with the idea, saying they had “waited for such a moment for a long time.”

Nanduntu blamed some of the cabinet ministers and MPs who fall short of realizing the importance media, shun journalists and despise them.

Senior New Vision editor Cyprian Musoke, also a senior journalist, said that the only way government can address the issue of wrong information, was through government itself easing the access of information so that reporters can easily verify the information given against government.