-----------

Media analysts say the polarisation of Uganda’s political system continues to undermine journalists’ objectivity in their line of work.

Veteran journalist Andrew Mwenda says because they frequently work with opposing viewpoints, journalists often struggle to demonstrate their objectivity to the general audience.

“To be an independent journalist is difficult because it creates enemies. But one needs to do their job with utmost values and cultures as per journalism ethics,” he says.

Mwenda made the remarks while delivering his keynote address at the Media Challenge Initiative Offices in Kampala on Wednesday to commemorate World Press Freedom Day 2023 under the topic: Journalists' Neutrality and Political Engagement, organised by the European Union.

According to Mwenda journalists need to simply uphold their values and preserve their integrity as they do their work “Let us remember that journalists are products of the societies in which they work. Journalists will, therefore, reflect the biases, prejudices and assertions of their societies”. 

He added that it is also challenging for journalists to remain neutral in such divisive settings. He referred to the 1994 Rwandan Genocide and questioned whether journalists should not have taken sides against a government that was committing genocide.

“Journalists should have a moral compass and should come to their job with a set of values, norms and ethics they are willing to follow even if it reflects them or they are misunderstood to fall on a certain side,” Mwenda said.

According to Mwenda, it is challenging for journalists to stand out by being impartial while working, stressing that even if they want to be exceptional, he said, no one will accept that.

“Like today, you will criticise President Yoweri Museveni and tomorrow criticise Bobi Wine. Today, I may defend a position Bobi Wine has taken and tomorrow I defend the position of Museveni. This will create confusion as people ask where you stand,” he added.

Mwenda urged journalists to always follow their beliefs as independent journalists: “I don't believe a journalist should be like a statue, a journalist should have a stand” in response to the question of how he manages to remain objective as a journalist in a situation when he picks sides like the MK Movement.

Be friends with your sources

TV personality Canary Mugume advised journalists to stay in regular contact with all of their sources in order to easily get more information from them.

“There is no way you will get information from people you don’t talk to,” he noted.

Media personality and lawyer Agather Tuhaire takes notes during the event. (All Photos by Jeff Andrew Lule)

The issue of neutrality shouldn't come up, he claimed, saying what counts is being truthful to the audience.

“Journalists shouldn’t die seeking to achieve neutrality. It needs to be truthful, but not neutral. On whose behalf should we seek neutrality?” he said.

Anonymous sources

Uganda Media Women’s Association board chairperson Dr Patricia Litho said maintaining objectivity in journalism is challenging, but advised writers to abide by the rules without including their personal opinions.

“The audience can make their own judgment. Today, there is a growing use of anonymous sources and some journalists sneak in their own perspectives. You can genuinely use that when you want to protect a source,” she added.

A lecturer at the Department of Journalism and Communication at Makerere University, Wilson Kaija, said the subject of journalists’ objectivity is constantly rushed.

“We look at the issue of impartiality in a narrow sense to think we shouldn’t be on the other side or this side, but walk in the middle ground. Sometimes the middle ground may not exist,” Kaija said.

He emphasised the need of viewing the issue from a point from which they can choose the best course of action without being constrained by the necessity for objectivity.

“For example, if someone is being killed, what would be the sense of impartiality in this, that I am going to be impartial and not tell this story,” he said.

Cornerstone of relationship

The integrity and impartiality that are the cornerstones of the moral relationship between journalists and readers, according to deputy EU Ambassador to Uganda Guillaume Chartraina, must be upheld.

He added that the freedom of expression remains the cornerstone of the fulfilment of all other human rights.

“As we navigate a world filled with challenges, we recognise that the preservation of free, independent and pluralistic media is essential for building resilient and healthy democracies. However, press freedom is under threat in many parts of the world,” Chartraina said.

According to Chartraina, journalists who bravely provide independent, and high-quality information are subject to attacks and threats, including the distribution of misinformation.