Ugandan journalists are resorting to self-censorship as the government cracks down on press freedom. A source told the Mail & Guardian this week that the government had placed security agents in newsrooms to keep an eye on reporters ahead of elections due next year.
The Cabinet is also considering passing a Bill that would allow the information ministry to appoint the chairperson of the country’s media council.
Freedom House, an independent watchdog that supports media freedom, said in its latest report that “Uganda’s government continues to use security agents to harass journalists who are critical of the government.”
John Njoroge, a journalist for the Independent magazine, told the M&G this week that there was a trend among journalists to avoid writing or covering sensitive issues.
“The most disturbing fact however is that many media companies — either in print, radio or television — have resorted to less serious issues in their coverage, like entertainment, sports, love stories or soap operas. Issues like accountability, human rights and governance are slowly getting little coverage.”
The amended Bill would require media houses as well as journalists to be licensed by the state, and the media council would have the power to revoke the licence if it deems published material to be a threat to national security.
The Eastern Africa Journalists Association (EAJA) condemned the Press and Journalist (Amendment) Bill “as yet another attempt to further constrict media freedom and freedom of expression as the country’s 2011 election approaches”, regional coordinator Tervil Okoko told the M&G.
Okoko said he feared that the Bill was being fast-tracked ahead of elections “to take care of the press”.
Freedom House said Cabinet should reject the amendment and “do away with any legislation that prevents news organisations from functioning without fear of recrimination”.
According to Freedom House’s 2009 survey on media freedom, Uganda experienced a dramatic decline in press freedom in the last five years, with its global ranking dropping from 98 to 109.
The Independent‘s Njoroge said the government had shut down five radio stations in September 2009 after accusing them of promoting violence and sectarianism. Of the five radio stations that were shut down, only three are back on the air.
“Election time in Uganda is usually a very dangerous time for critical and independent journalists,” said Njoroge, who is facing sedition charges.
“I have been involved in reporting and writing about human rights abuses, most especially torture. Twice, I have been picked from our offices, my computer taken away, documents have been taken and never returned.”
Journalists and media workers are scheduled to meet with Uganda’s Information and Guidance Minister Kabakumba Masiko to discuss the Bill towards the end of the month.