The Bishop of south Ankole Diocese Rt Rev Nathan Ahimbisibwe has called for an immediate national dialogue between the media and security agencies saying the situation in the country demands urgent reconciliation between the two bodies.
Bishop Ahimbisibwe made the plea on Monday during the World Press Freedom Day celebrations.
He noted that there are pressing issues that warrant urgent dialogue because journalists and security complement and need each other for the betterment of the country.
Bishop Ahimbisibwe also commended the splendiferous work done Ugandan journalists towards promoting fundamental change in terms of social, economic, political and religious.
However, he urged the journalists to uphold accuracy and objectivity and recommit themselves to the ethics that guide their noble profession.
Natamba Edward the coordinator South Western Institute for Policy and Advocacy (SOWIPA) a Community Based Organization based in Ntungamo district said journalist should be appreciated amid all challenges they have done a tremendous work to make sure that Ugandans access information.
Natamba blamed the brutality of journalists during their line of duty to failure by security agencies to respect the governing laws on the land saying that some of the officers who beat journalists have not been arrested and apprehended to deter other errant officers.
Veteran Journalist and member of National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) Elliott Kabangira Magande who is also general manager Radio Ankole Ntungamo called on the government to move in and ensure that journalists are protected as they execute their duties.
Kabangira noted that the conduct is not only criminal but an affront to suppress freedom which he condemned in the strongest terms possible.
Kabangira also called upon all members of the press to adhere to the journalistic code of conduct.
On Monday 3rd May the World marked the International Press Freedom Day with the theme “Information as a public good.”
The chairperson Ntungamo Journalists and media association (NJAMA) Robert Rwambuka Mugisha the Vision Group correspondent Ntungamo challenged the government to recognize the media since the media is 4th arm of the government and apprehend the perpetrators of brutalizing journalists.
According to one of the female journalists working for Radio Ankole Asasira Saphira, the day gives female journalists courage to work hard and asks security agencies to always respect them while executing their work.
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