Uganda Journalists under their umbrella, Uganda journalists association (UJA) are demanding the executive director of Uganda communications commission, Engineer Godfrey Mutabazi to resign.
While commemorating the world press freedom day, journalists have expressed disappointment over UCC’s directive to 13 media to suspend producers, Editors and program directors over alleged breach of minimum broadcasting standards .
Journalist say this was unfair since the affected media houses since UCC did not give them a change to meet them formally and explain to them the offense they committed and how to avoid the mess in future.
In her remarks, Marcy Lugemwa the UJA vice president has noted that Mr. Mutabazi should withdraw his directive with immediate effect and failure to this, the journalists will soon match to the headquarters of Uganda communications commission in a peaceful protest.
They also are calling upon president Museveni to appoint a new executive director for UCC who has a media background and knows how media house operate and not an engineer as the current executive director.
In his remarks, delivered by Minister for general duties Mary Karoro Okuru the deputy speaker of parliament Jacob Oulanya has urged journalists to avoid reporting un-researched stories and stories that may incite rather than inform the public.
He further called upon the journalist to desist from stories that are inflammatory stories.
“This day also offers people an opportunity to discuss challenges facing the country as far as press freedom is concerned, deputy speaker added.
Speaking at the same celebrations The Uganda Human Rights Commission called for dialogue to resolve the impasse between the Media and the Uganda Communications Commission- UCC.
Dr Meddie Kaggwa, the chairperson of the Commission said this after journalists under the Uganda Journalists Association called for resignation of Eng. Godfrey Mutabazi, the Chief Executive of Uganda Communications Commission.
Speaking at the Commemoration of the World Press Freedom Day on Friday, Dr Kaggwa said the UCC should accept to dialogue with the affected media companies.
He asked government to improve legal regime for the practice of journalism.
“Today’s commemoration reminds us of our duty as a country to strive to entrench a just system that supports free and safe journalism. So it is our call today to all the relevant stake holders to improve the legal regime in Uganda by reviewing those archache laws that curtail media freedom whenever they apply. Once again we make an ardent call to the relevant authorities to ensure that legal framework is conducive for effective media practice”said UHRC Kaggwa
The day has been commemorated under the theme ‘’media for democracy, journalism and election in times of disinformation”.