By Kabuye Ronald
The minister of Information, technology and national guidance Dr. Chris Baryomunsi has revealed that government embarked on the process to consolidate all available laws concerning media, communication and journalism into one comprehensive law.
Minister Baryomunsi who was the chief guest at the 14th graduation ceremony of United Media Consultants And Trainers (UMCAT) school of journalism, mass communication and business studies held at its campus in Bukesa, Kampala said that there are so many scattered laws concerning communication, media and journalism which contradict one another thus a need to consolidate them into one comprehensive law.
“We have many laws which are scattered all dealing with issues to do with communication like The press and journalists act, Uganda Communications act, UBC act, computer misuse act among others laws and we have embarked on the process to consolidate all these laws into one comprehensive law but also modernizing the law so that it captures the prevailing trends and issues in media and communication thus making it a progressive law.” Baryomunsi said
He added “We have found that some provisions in different acts contradict one another but when we make it one law they be able to speak to each other and the provisions will floor.”
Baryomusi revealed that cabinet approved the principles and they have now embarked on a process of formulating and drafting the law. Adding that journalists and other relevant stakeholders will be consulted to give their input to have a very good law that governs journalism and communication in Uganda.
Baryomunsi also urged the grandaunts to use the available freedom of speech in the country in a professional and an ethical manner especially in execution of their duties.
The school Executive director Mr. Charles Ogwel urged graduates to use the knowledge and skills acquired to solve the problems in the country especially in the media and journalism sector thus walking the talk of the school slogan of professionalism for development.
297 students graduated with Certificates and Diploma in Journalism, records and information management, secretarial studies, social work, public administration, business administration and Information, Communication and Technology, computer science and Human resource management.
