Kibirige To Free Press

By Ali Mao Presidential candidate Mayanja Kibirige has said he will repeal all anti-press laws instituted by the Movement government and ratify the international convention on freedom of information if elected. "My manifesto will zealously guard and uphold freedom of the press and encourage the establishment of independent media organisations," Kibirige said. In a press briefing at White House Hotel, Lira, last weekend, Kibirige said his government would provide training for journalists. "I promise to make Uganda a safe haven for any persecuted journalist from any corner. There cannot be true democracy without total unequivocal independence and freedom of the press in the country," Kibirige said. He said his government would also jealously guard freedom of worship. He promised that religious leaders would be included in decision making and pledged representation in Parliament of major religions. Kibirige said the Government wanted to cover up the insecurity in northern Uganda by preventing the press from exposing it. He said journalists in the north had been harassed over objective reporting. Ends