By Mukembo Wilfred
The Uganda Journalists Association (UJA) has vehemently condemned a recent directive from the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) demanding that media house owners regulate their employees’ personal social media accounts. This directive, issued by UCC Executive Director Mr. Nyombi Thembo during a meeting in Kampala on October 18, 2024, has raised significant concerns over press freedom and the rights of journalists.
In a press statement signed by UJA Secretary General Emmanuel Kirunda, it is not the first instance of UCC overreach;
“In April 2019, the commission ordered the dismissal of 39 journalists from various media outlets, labeling their content as “undesirable.” This included prominent stations like NTV, NBS TV, and Akaboozi FM. The UJA subsequently filed a petition against UCC, resulting in a High Court ruling that temporarily restrained the dismissals, affirming that such actions violated journalists’ constitutional rights to freedom of speech and expression.”
Despite this judicial rebuke, the UCC’s latest directive appears to mirror its previous attempts to stifle independent journalism, raising fears of potential retrenchments and legal repercussions for media organizations. UJA’s Secretary General, Emmanuel Kirunda, articulated strong opposition to the directive, urging media employers to resist compliance, warning them of possible legal entanglements. “Sadly, the same Commission is back with almost the similar directive whose intention is to stifle the constitutionally guaranteed press freedom enjoyment that is inseparable from the freedom of speech.” Said Kirunda
“The directive is a threat to the very essence of independent journalism,” Kirunda stated. “We call on the courts to expedite pending cases involving journalists to mitigate ongoing injustices.”
As the debate over media freedom continues, the UJA remains committed to defending the rights of journalists, ready to seek legal recourse for any affected professionals.
“That said directive is venomous to the independent journalism as it will culminate into retrenchment of journalists and suing of the implementing media houses, which is un healthy to our noble profession. We therefore, strongly protest and reject the UCC directive as we urge the journalist’s employers to disregard it since they risk being embroiled in endless legal battles
. In case any media professional falls victim of the same, UJA will not hesitate to seek legal redress for their rights. We also humbly request Court to conclude all the journalists’ pending cases including the one against the UCC, to help with reducing injustices against journalists.” Kirunda stated
