The bishop South Ankole diocese the Rt Rev Nathan Ahimbisibwe has commended the pivotal role being played by the media in transforming the society.
Bishop Ahimbisibwe noted that for democracy to prevail in the country there must be freedom of expression and media is the only tool that can cause a positive or negative change.
Speaking as the chief guest during the World Press Freedom day celebrations for Journalists in Ntungamo District under their umbrella organization Ntungamo Journalists and media association (NJAMA) on Friday, the cleric said that media has the power to promote the country and individual or to destroy them thus appealing to journalists to always promote what is right and downplay what is wrong.
The chairperson of NJAMA Robert Rwambuka Mugisha also Vision Group correspondent in Ntungamo, called on government to recognize the World Press Freedom Day and gazette it as a public holiday as the 4th arm of the government.
Rwambuka also advocated for media representative in parliament stressing if army which is nonpartisan is represented why not media because this will address some of the challenges crippling the media in Uganda.
Veteran Journalist and member of National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) Elliott Kabangira Magande asked all journalists to follow the stipulated guidelines and ethics while executing their work if they are to avoid being harassed by security agencies.
Kabangira added that security agencies should stop the habit of harassing and confiscating the gadgets of journalists when they have not done any wrong.
The manager Boona FM Rukungiri Namanya Santrina Kaceene expressed a need to cooperate and exhibit professionalism in order to promote work of a journalist.
The chairperson of the Bridge Media Practitioners Association (BRIMPA) an umbrella that brings together journalists in Ntungamo, Rukungiri and Kanungu districts Turyatemba Grace asked journalists to promote peace journalism for stable country.
The deputy RDC Ntungamo Byarugaba Isaiah Kanyamahaane hailed the cordial relationship amongst journalist regardless of working with different media houses.
