Kampala 2nd/May/2012; HRNJ-Uganda
released a report on Media Liberalization in Uganda just a day after World
Labour Day celebrations and hours before World Press Freedom day. The report, a
result of a study carried out in various media houses established that commercial
interests are overriding quality, content and working environment of media
outlets.
A total of 150 interviews were conducted. The key
informants included media owners and managers, Uganda Communications
Commission, Broadcasting Council, Media Council and journalists.
Uganda has a vibrant and dynamic media industry
covering divergent interests and views. The industry expanded with the adoption
of a liberalisation policy in that has seen an increase in the number of radio
and TV stations as well as newspapers. The total number of licensed media
outlets is over 240 including both the operational and non-operational ones.
Whereas there is an increase in media outlets in
Uganda, this does not necessarily mean there is freedom of expression and
speech. The Media Rights and freedoms are continuously violated and abused by
the state and non-state actors. Many media houses have been closed for being
critical of government; others have gone in self-censure while the operation of
many other outlets is determined by the commercial interests of the founders
and those of their clients.
However there are other managerial and ownership
factors that have greatly undermined the industry. This study established
terrible working conditions for the practitioners- especially news reporters.
They include among others;
- The desire by the media owners to maximise profits which has resulted into reduced investment in training and remuneration for media practitioners, research and quality production with more concentration on entertainment and marketing. This has come with a cost to the industry
ii.
Lack of transparency in media houses
and the failure for media houses to contract practitioners is common.
iii.
Many media houses have opted for
freelance practitioners who are paid on piecemeal basis. The payment ranges
from less than a dollar to a few dollars per story. This has consequently
affected the quality of the output.
iv.
The study also established that with
the exception of salaries, there are no other benefits and protection measures
for those working in risky areas.
From the
research, the following recommendations were made;
i.
Media owners and media practitioners
should interest themselves with laws that govern them and be able to advocate
for fair laws and policies for a better operating environment
ii.
Protection and safety mechanisms for
media practitioners and owners should be put in place by the various stake
holders including security agencies.
iii.
Security plans and allowances for
those working in risky areas must be considered through health insurance
schemes, legal defence and rescue plans.
iv.
Media practitioners should consider
creating or joining the existing labour unions to be able to demand for fair
pay and protection from their employees. The unions need to be focused, neutral
and independent.
v.
Media houses should invest in
research to better the quality of their products. This will lead to healthy
competition and resultant development of the industry as a whole.
vi.
Parliament should work with central
government and other stakeholders to improve the present media laws to enable the
media and other stakeholders practice freely. The laws should focus on
facilitating media to practice their freedoms as generally accepted in a
democratic society as opposed to control and monitoring media activities. Media
laws should also allow the media council to punish media houses that violate
the rights of media practitioners.
vii.
Government should increase training
of police, army and other security agencies to improve on their relations with
the public and also the media. Government should also punish security agents
who infringe media rights.
We encourage
all journalists whether contracted or not to join hands in advocating for
respect of human rights and press freedom in Uganda. We further urge media
owners to improve on the working conditions of their employees.
To
view the report: http://www.hrnjuganda.org/liberalisation_and_media_book.pdf
For
More Information Contact;
Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda
(HRNJ-Uganda)
Kivebulaya Road Mengo Kampala Opp. St.
Marcelino Pre. School
P.O.BOX. 71314 Clock Tower Kampala
Tel: +256-414-272934 / +256-414-667627
E-mail: news@hrnjuganda.org
humanrajournalists@yahoo.co.uk
Website: www.hrnjuganda.org
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