Mwenda Apologises
Aug 14, 2005
KFM radio talk-show host Andrew Mwenda has apologised for the inappropriate statements he made against President Yoweri Museveni and the Government, information minister Dr. Nsaba Buturo said yesterday.
By Felix Osike
KFM radio talk-show host Andrew Mwenda has apologised for the inappropriate statements he made against President Yoweri Museveni and the Government, information minister Dr. Nsaba Buturo said yesterday.
Addressing an impromptu press conference at the ministry’s boardroom in Kampala, Buturo acknowledged receipt of both Mwenda and the KFM management’s apology letters.
The minister read out a three-page statement on the closure of KFM over Mwenda’s statements and the state of press freedom in Uganda
(See full statement on
Page 4).
“Mwenda has written to the chairman of the Broadcasting Council (BC), admitting that he used inappropriate language,†Buturo said, adding that KFM’s closure was justified and constitutional. He said two other radio stations, which he declined to name, were being closely monitored.
While moderating a talk show on August 10, Mwenda said the Government was responsible for the death of Sudan’s First Vice-President Dr. John Garang.
Below is Mwenda’s letter dated August 12, 2005:
“I have been briefed about your (BC) discussions of today with the Managing Director of the Monitor Publications Limited regarding Andrew Mwenda Live show of August 10, 2005.
The management of KFM and I have reviewed and critiqued that edition of Andrew Mwenda Live and collectively agreed that there were moments in the show of inappropriate use of language and tone in my comments, although in many instances my comments were meant for humour.
I have read the letter by Mr. Conrad Nkutu and I can confirm that we have agreed to rely on more scripted presentation than has been the case previously. I agree entirely with the contents of his letter to you.
Please, be assured of my commitment to uphold the new internal guidelines for the talk show that are spelt out in the Managing Director’s letter.â€
Nkutu’s letter reads in part, “We have agreed
the style of presentation should reflect a more balanced judgement of what level of punch is necessary to make an otherwise reasonable argument and also caution in the use of humour when handling delicate issues."
Nkutu said the Andrew Mwenda Live talk show would “continue to be a strong debating forum. However, we have agreed that the show should criticise responsibly taking into account the cultural context and the norms of the Ugandan society.â€
Buturo warned that “time has run out,†for irresponsible reporting. “What is worrying is that the media thinks freedom is ala carte, without any regulation. We are not in the business of censoring or harassing the media but freedom of the press must go hand in hand with social responsibility."
He said the Director of Public Prosecutions would today study Mwenda’s file and advise on whether there is a prima facie case against him.
If it is established that Mwenda’s comments brought into hatred or contempt or excited disaffection against the President or government, on first conviction, he could face a five-year jail term or pay a fine of sh50,000 or both.
Asked when the radio station would re-open, Buturo said the Broadcasting Council was still investigating the matter and a decision would be communicated as soon as possible.
Buturo met KFM officials from Nairobi on Saturday.
He also said the organisation to which a broadcasting license is issued bears the responsibility for the programmes aired and not the individual.
Ends
KFM radio talk-show host Andrew Mwenda has apologised for the inappropriate statements he made against President Yoweri Museveni and the Government, information minister Dr. Nsaba Buturo said yesterday.
Addressing an impromptu press conference at the ministry’s boardroom in Kampala, Buturo acknowledged receipt of both Mwenda and the KFM management’s apology letters.
The minister read out a three-page statement on the closure of KFM over Mwenda’s statements and the state of press freedom in Uganda
(See full statement on
Page 4).
“Mwenda has written to the chairman of the Broadcasting Council (BC), admitting that he used inappropriate language,†Buturo said, adding that KFM’s closure was justified and constitutional. He said two other radio stations, which he declined to name, were being closely monitored.
While moderating a talk show on August 10, Mwenda said the Government was responsible for the death of Sudan’s First Vice-President Dr. John Garang.
Below is Mwenda’s letter dated August 12, 2005:
“I have been briefed about your (BC) discussions of today with the Managing Director of the Monitor Publications Limited regarding Andrew Mwenda Live show of August 10, 2005.
The management of KFM and I have reviewed and critiqued that edition of Andrew Mwenda Live and collectively agreed that there were moments in the show of inappropriate use of language and tone in my comments, although in many instances my comments were meant for humour.
I have read the letter by Mr. Conrad Nkutu and I can confirm that we have agreed to rely on more scripted presentation than has been the case previously. I agree entirely with the contents of his letter to you.
Please, be assured of my commitment to uphold the new internal guidelines for the talk show that are spelt out in the Managing Director’s letter.â€
Nkutu’s letter reads in part, “We have agreed
the style of presentation should reflect a more balanced judgement of what level of punch is necessary to make an otherwise reasonable argument and also caution in the use of humour when handling delicate issues."
Nkutu said the Andrew Mwenda Live talk show would “continue to be a strong debating forum. However, we have agreed that the show should criticise responsibly taking into account the cultural context and the norms of the Ugandan society.â€
Buturo warned that “time has run out,†for irresponsible reporting. “What is worrying is that the media thinks freedom is ala carte, without any regulation. We are not in the business of censoring or harassing the media but freedom of the press must go hand in hand with social responsibility."
He said the Director of Public Prosecutions would today study Mwenda’s file and advise on whether there is a prima facie case against him.
If it is established that Mwenda’s comments brought into hatred or contempt or excited disaffection against the President or government, on first conviction, he could face a five-year jail term or pay a fine of sh50,000 or both.
Asked when the radio station would re-open, Buturo said the Broadcasting Council was still investigating the matter and a decision would be communicated as soon as possible.
Buturo met KFM officials from Nairobi on Saturday.
He also said the organisation to which a broadcasting license is issued bears the responsibility for the programmes aired and not the individual.
Ends