Journalists warned against misusing digital platforms

MEDIA | DISCIPLINE

Journalists have been cautioned against using digital platforms in an unprofessional manner, which could see them commit cyber crimes and have unnecessary confrontation with state agencies.

Mellon Ankunda from Defenders Protection Initiative, a civil society organisation, said many times journalists have fallen victim to uncalled for harassment.

Ankunda identified some of the threats as confiscation of equipment, theft, data leakages, fraud, surveillance, phone tapping and hacking.

She was presenting a paper on digital security management during a two-day training workshop on safety and security, organised by Human Right Network at Dream Palace Hotel in Mbale town recently.

The purpose of the training was to equip journalist with skills on safety and security, strengthen linkages and create a platform for them to discuss the common issues that affect media houses.

Robert Sempala, the HRNJ-Uganda national co-ordinator, tipped the participants on the country's escalating human rights abuses and violations meted out to them.

He said the current environment threatens enjoyment of press freedom, freedom of expression and media rights.

PIC: Mellon Ankunda from Defenders Protection Initiative addressing journalists (Credit: Faustine Odeke)

"From January, HRNJ-Uganda has documented over 80 cases of attacks against journalist. The attacks range from assault, confiscation/ damage of gadgets detention and release without charge, denial to news scenes and kidnap," he said.

"These malevolent actions have made practice of journalism in Uganda become life threatening, notwithstanding that practicing a profession is a constitutional guaranteed right under article 40(C) of the Constitution of Uganda.

"The attacks have created an atmosphere of fear among journalist some of whom have resorted to conventional reporting and abandoned enterprise, interpretative and investigative reporting'' Sempala said.

He advised the participants to promptly report any cases of human rights abuses  against them in the course of executing their duties.

Julius Esegu, the organisation board chairman, called upon the participants to act professionally in order to guarantee their safety.

He advised the participants to learn how to set an agenda within their own scope of limit without going off board.