Uphold freedom of expression

What began as simple banning of radio talk shows, commonly known as Bimeeza is gradually degenerating into systematic silencing of voices assumed critical to the regime.

If the reported gagging of government critics from airing their views on various radio stations is anything to be believed, then woe unto the common folk, who look up to such platforms as the only means of gaining insight into the social, political and economic environment around them.

What began as simple banning of radio talk shows, commonly known as Bimeeza is gradually degenerating into systematic silencing of voices assumed critical to the regime.

The Constitutional right to freedom of expression should not only be a preserve of government praise singers, but should also be allowed to be exercised by people, who see things from a different perspective.

Now that the police have firmly tightened their grip on the right to assemble, people could resort to unconventional means to point out ills in society. With the liberalisation of the media which gave rise to numerous media platforms, the government is better advised to make effective use of its cadres spread across the country to relay the “correct” messages to the masses other than ‘sanitising’ alternative and or divergent views by targeting particular individuals and media houses.

Since most of those banned from airing their views on these platforms are accused of misleading the citizenry through cheap politicking, maybe the government could consider availing the media outlets with the “correct “ messages to be relayed.

But the same government should also ask whether it has anything new to arouse the public interest through its messages.

In view of the fact that these are business entities employing Ugandans and also contributing to the national coffers through paying taxes, limiting them on the choice of persons to host and direction of discussion to take could affect their otherwise loyal clients from those media houses thereby denying them business.

In a nutshell, a fair comment on the political, social and economic environment of one’s country should be taken as one’s humble observation and opinion other than a capital offence attracting punitive action such as threats to revoke licenses to host media houses.