Strategies needed to protect journalists from violence

Sep 16, 2010

THIS week, two journalists were murdered in two different incidents. Paul Kiggundu, a radio correspondent in Rakai, was lynched to death by a mob while on duty. <br>

By Frederick Womakuyu
THIS week, two journalists were murdered in two different incidents. Paul Kiggundu, a radio correspondent in Rakai, was lynched to death by a mob while on duty.

A day later, Dickson Sentongo, a news anchor for Prime Radio was murdered in Mukono district by unknown assailants on his way to work. Nothing was stolen from him.

Early this month, Arthur Kintu, a New Vision photojournalist was beaten by businessman Basajjabalaba while he covered the recently concluded National Resistance Movement Conference at the Mandela National Stadium-Kampala.

According to the Human Rights Watch, over 35 Ugandan journalists were physically attacked or threatened with physical violence last year.

Many have stopped writing or have capitulated in self-censorship. Others face criminal offences for publishing seditious news or for uttering or publishing sectarian news/views. Rarely, if ever, is anyone held responsible.

But why are journalists facing murders, violence and cruelty?
Barbara Kaija, the Editor-in-Chief of the New Vision, says violence against journalists shows people do not understand the role the media plays in entrenching democracy.

“Uganda is a young democracy and every stakeholder should be seen trying to protect journalists. Journalism is a cardinal pillar of democracy that keeps the free flow of information alive.

Journalists play the watchdog role for society. Journalists may at times get it wrong through ignorance or intentional malpractice but it is better to get redres through legal procedures,” explains Kaija.

She adds that if high profile people take the law into their own hands by beating the journalists, they show a bad example and encourage the rest of the ordinary people to do the same.

David Sseppuuya, the Executive Editor of the Daily Monitor newspaper, attributes it to a culture of intolerance and lack of respect.

“There are a lot of criminal activities going on, but the security forces are not doing enough. People commit crimes and walk away and when ordinary people see that, they think it is a way of life, that is why they are taking the law into their own hands,” he adds.

The Inspector General of Police, Kale Kayihura, agrees with him. “There is a lot of impunity in this country. The politicians and some powerful individuals are intimidating the Police, but we must send them a clear signal that impunity will not be tolerated,” adds Kayihura.

Kaihura says recently, tycoon Basajjabalaba was summoned before the Police to record a statement of assault and bribery against him, but he did not honour.

“Uganda is an open society and the media plays an important role because they keep the public informed about development, democracy and expose wrong things,” he adds.

He says because of this role, the media sometimes finds itself in conflict with the public.

“The people doing the wrong things do not want the media to exist. They also do not want the Police to exist because the media and the Police are public watchdogs,” he adds.

Lynn Najjemba, the News Editor, Radio One, says there is lack of protection from the Journalists’ Associations and their employers.
“Most of the journalists do not have identification.

When they go to the communities with recorders and cameras, people think they are spies,” she explains.

Joshua Kyalimpa, president Uganda Journalists Association ,cautions that as the political situation becomes tense ahead of the general elections in 2011, more journalists may be abused due to conflict of interest or for working for media houses owned by politicians.

Way forward
Kaija appeals to the citizens, the Government and all stakeholders to protect journalists by standing out for them since they are in journalism to serve the public.

Sseppuuya says media companies should have insurance cover for their journalists so that they are compensated in case they incur any harm or death.

He adds that media companies should also invest in identification of journalists in form of reflective jackets like those worn by the Red Cross during war situations.

Kayihura stresses that the media should sensitise the public, the Police and the Government on the role of the journalists so that everyone is responsible for their protection.



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