Karooro warns journalists on disseminating falsehoods
Journalists march during the World Press Freedom Day celebrations in Bushenyi Town on Sunday. PHOTO BY ZADOCK AMANYISA
What you need to know:
The minster urged journalists to strive to operate within the requirement of the law.
Bushenyi- Security minister Mary Karooro Okurut has asked journalists to execute their work within the parameters of truth.
The minister was last Sunday speaking at celebrations to mark World Press Freedom Day in Bushenyi District organised by Bushenyi Journalists and Media Association (BUJOMA).
“As we celebrate World Press Freedom Day, I would like to salute all our journalists because they are informing our country, they are doing a good job. But I challenge them that you are going to publish or whatever air on FM radio stations, should be the truth and nothing but the truth,” said Ms Karooro.
Ms Karooro saluted radio presenters and owners for the good work they are doing. She said Ugandans have developed a listening culture and communication through radio can easily be understood.
“Our people listen to radios. Radio stations have multiplied since NRM took over power in 1986. There was only one radio station in the country; that was Radio Uganda. Today, we are proud to see that we have almost more than 200 radio stations,” Ms Karooro said.
The minster urged journalists to keep doing a good work and strive to operate within the law in order to be successful. In a speech read for him by the Sheema Woman MP, Ms Rosemary Nyakikongoro, Information minister Jim Muhwezi said government recognises all challenges journalists face and is going to tackle them one by one to create a favourable working environment for them.
“The government knows the challenges you go through like being denied access to news and is going to uphold its duty to protect you,” said Maj Gen Muhwezi.
Ms Nyakikongoro advised journalists to report positively on gender-related issues by highlighting things that concern women as one way of protecting their rights.
Mr Chris Mugasha, the chairperson BUJOMA, challenged politicians and government agents against harassing journalists.
“Government should let us practice freely without any crackdown. It should also rein in on unruly and untouchable politicians who mistreat journalists during our work,” he said.
