Buturo bans Besigye talk
Nov 23, 2005
THE Government yesterday slapped a ban on all media houses against debating or holding talk-shows on cases pending before court, including that of presidential candidate Dr. Kizza Besigye.
By Fortunate Ahimbisibwe
THE Government yesterday slapped a ban on all media houses against debating or holding talk-shows on cases pending before court, including that of presidential candidate Dr. Kizza Besigye.
State minister for information and broadcasting Dr. Nsaba Buturo said yesterday at a press conference at Nakasero that he had directed the Media Council and the Broadcasting Council to revoke the licenses of any errant media houses.
“The directive takes immediate effect. The broadcasting Council is expected to start monitoring the radio stations,†Buturo said.
“I have directed all media houses to stop hosting talk-shows/ debates on cases pending before the courts of law. I have also asked the Media Council to start monitoring all media houses immediately and we shall not hesitate to revoke the license of
any media house that does not adhere to this directive,†he said.
About Besigye who is facing treason and rape charges, Buturo said, “Since the trial of Dr. Kizza Besigye and others has commenced, no talk shows/debates in respect of or incidental to that case and other cases shall be held until the case has been concluded by the courts of law.â€
He added, “Dr. Kizza Besigye’s case is a sensitive matter and because of the issues surrounding it, we have decided that it should not be further debated.â€
Buturo said media houses will only be allowed to report facts of court proceedings ‘without expressing opinions on court proceedings.’
“Any debate/talk-show in favour, against or related to the court case will prejudice the court process and therefore prejudice the rights of the parties in the case. The conduct of these shows in relation to court proceedings is unconstitutional as this would undermine the right to a fair hearing.â€
Buturo also said some talk-shows had social and security implications because they are not properly conducted.
“Opinions divide the population into those who support or oppose the court case. This is not good for the rule of law and public harmony. The principle of separation of powers also means that the public or media houses do not hijack the role of judges,†Buturo said.
He said the decision follows findings that some people were using the debates to incite violence. He declined to mention the talk-shows.
“By doing so, some people are engineering conditions for possible incitement that could end up into public disorder and confrontation with law enforcement agencies.
“A radio station that participates in airing views/messages, has the potential to lead to disorder in the country,†he said.
See our Op-Ed for full speech
THE Government yesterday slapped a ban on all media houses against debating or holding talk-shows on cases pending before court, including that of presidential candidate Dr. Kizza Besigye.
State minister for information and broadcasting Dr. Nsaba Buturo said yesterday at a press conference at Nakasero that he had directed the Media Council and the Broadcasting Council to revoke the licenses of any errant media houses.
“The directive takes immediate effect. The broadcasting Council is expected to start monitoring the radio stations,†Buturo said.
“I have directed all media houses to stop hosting talk-shows/ debates on cases pending before the courts of law. I have also asked the Media Council to start monitoring all media houses immediately and we shall not hesitate to revoke the license of
any media house that does not adhere to this directive,†he said.
About Besigye who is facing treason and rape charges, Buturo said, “Since the trial of Dr. Kizza Besigye and others has commenced, no talk shows/debates in respect of or incidental to that case and other cases shall be held until the case has been concluded by the courts of law.â€
He added, “Dr. Kizza Besigye’s case is a sensitive matter and because of the issues surrounding it, we have decided that it should not be further debated.â€
Buturo said media houses will only be allowed to report facts of court proceedings ‘without expressing opinions on court proceedings.’
“Any debate/talk-show in favour, against or related to the court case will prejudice the court process and therefore prejudice the rights of the parties in the case. The conduct of these shows in relation to court proceedings is unconstitutional as this would undermine the right to a fair hearing.â€
Buturo also said some talk-shows had social and security implications because they are not properly conducted.
“Opinions divide the population into those who support or oppose the court case. This is not good for the rule of law and public harmony. The principle of separation of powers also means that the public or media houses do not hijack the role of judges,†Buturo said.
He said the decision follows findings that some people were using the debates to incite violence. He declined to mention the talk-shows.
“By doing so, some people are engineering conditions for possible incitement that could end up into public disorder and confrontation with law enforcement agencies.
“A radio station that participates in airing views/messages, has the potential to lead to disorder in the country,†he said.
See our Op-Ed for full speech