MPS finally allow press gadgets into House

By Henry Mukasa and Mary Karugaba

Members of Parliament have made a U-turn and allowed journalists covering proceedings of the legislature to access the chambers and gallery with electronic gadgets used in their work.

The decision which followed intensive lobbying by the Uganda Parliamentary Press Association (UPPA) and threats of a blackout, was this time round overwhelmingly supported by all MPs.

Raphael Magyezi (NRM) moved that Parliament recommits itself as a committee of the whole House and rescinds its earlier decision to bar journalists allowed to access Parliament from using electronic devices in the chambers and gallery.

Magyezi, the Igara West MP explained that the British House of Commons lifted the ban on electronic gadgets in October 2010 and the Ugandan Parliament too needed to be abreast with global standards. 

“It is common knowledge that Uganda Broadcasting Corporation covers our proceedings live and allowing more media houses to do live coverage will enable our voters right to know. As ninth Parliament, we have been known for transparency,” Magyezi explained.

Journalists have in the past been barred from the chambers and not allowed to carry laptops, note-pads, recorders, still or video cameras into the gallery from where they listen to the proceedings. The press corps deposit their mobile phones at the reception before they access the parliament chambers.

The Minister for local government, Adolf Mwesige observed that a perception had been created that government was against press freedom when the proposal for the press to use electronic gadgets was rejected.

“On the contrary we support press freedom. The amendment is fair as it defines gadgets that the press will bring. I support it,” Mwesige, who stood in as Attorney General as Parliament reviewed its rules commented.

Information minister, Karooro Okurut stated: “Let the media flourish.”

When the Speaker of Parliament Rebecca Kadaga put the matter to vote, MPs overwhelmingly supported the amendment.

 UPPA President, Agnes Nandutu described the decision by Parliament as a landmark and giant breakthrough.

“As UPPA feel it’s a milestone which will be recorded in the history of Parliament and Uganda. Parliaments, even in the developed world, don’t easily open up,” Nandutu commented.

She also saluted Government for the decision.

“We are grateful to government which realized we are not to the chambers to do unprofessional work but the impetus is to report accurately and in a timely manner,” Nandutu remarked, adding that UPPA with Parliament will at a later stage draw guidelines to be followed.

Simon Mulongo (NRM) invited Parliament to embrace modern trends and also build a partnership with the media. “We should not condemn journalists to short hand. They need to record to report accurately,” he argued.

Onyango Kakoba (NRM), a former journalist himself observed that the fears by some MPs of “intrusion of privacy” should not arise since MPs are expected to carry themselves in a dignified manner while in the chambers. 

Medard Ssegona (DP) argued that there was need to break the Government-owned UBC monopoly while Joseph Balikuddembe (DP) said all jurisdictions allowed media to access chambers for live coverage. Steven Bakka (NRM) who had earlier vehemently objected to the amendment took back his words, a decision which drew laughter from MPs.

“I have since learnt and established beyond reasonable doubt that UPPA is a very organized group with an executive and chief whip (head of discipline) who sets standards. I stand to support the innovation,” Bakka admitted.