Vision scoops court award

Dec 02, 2013

THE New Vision has been voted best contributor to court reporting in Uganda's print media industry

BY JOB BWIRE                                    

THE New Vision has been voted best contributor to court reporting in Uganda's print media industry at an award giving gala organised by Legal Brains Trust, an NGO that seeks to establish the rule of law, ensure equal and equitable access to justice an tackle the root causes of exclusion and poverty in Africa.


The ceremony which was held at Hotel Protea, Kampala as part of the activities to mark the 10th anniversary of Uganda Court Reporters Association (UCRA) also saw New Vision's Hillary Nsambu win special certificate of recognition for being the longest serving court reporter (over 40 years) in the country.
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FIDA Uganda director, Sarah Kerwegi (right) presenting to the New Vision journalists an award for the best print media house. PHOTO/Wilfred Sanya 

According to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Legal Brains Trust, Isaac Kimaze Ssemakadde, New Vision was awarded for its consistently high performance in covering court proceedings in the print media industry.  

"We feel court reporters have been left out for so long, despite their tireless efforts and commitment in ensuring that our people access justice and understand court proceedings, thus the need to honour them through this award ceremony," Kimaze said.

"New Vision, among other print media was independently selected by a panel distinguished judges for its journalistic merit and relevance to the goal of improving access to justice in Uganda through court reporting," he added.

Presiding over the ceremony, the Principal Judge, Justice Yorokamu Bamwine called upon journalists, especially court reporters to exercise responsible journalism while reporting court proceedings so as to uphold the principle of fair trial and justice for all.

"I welcome the move by the media to help our people understand court proceedings yet we also have to note that the media is such a powerful tool since most people tend to believe what they read or watch in the media," Bamwine noted.

"This therefore means that Journalist need to ensure that reports of court proceedings are true and accurate, such that they do not bias the judgment or outcome of the proceedings in the wrong direction, as this may compromise the principle of justice," he added.

However, Bamwine further noted that the media is a necessary evil since it acts as a deterrent to such felonies like perjury, besides enhancing public awareness of the working of the law.

He also pledged for the continued support and corporation with the media inform of training of journalists in legal related fields and unrestricted access to court proceedings.

 

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