Uganda Journalists Association (UJA) has threatened to take Parliament to court for unconditionally banning the Nation Media Group from coverage of Parliament.
In a statement issued to the media, the General Secretary of the association, Emmanuel Kirunda condemned the reported action by the administration of Parliament of Uganda, to bar Nation Media Group (NMG) journalists that run NTV Uganda, from indefinitely covering parliamentary proceedings.
He challenged the Office of the Speaker to present formal clarification on this matter before the Group engaged on the next course of action.
“This act is a blatant violation of the constitutional right to freedom of the press and access to information as enshrined in Articles 29(1)(a) and 41 of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda (1995),” Kirunda argued.
“We will relatedly give assurance to the concerned media fraternity regarding the prevailing safety concerns, and restore the Ugandan public confidence in Parliament,” Kirunda said.
He asked Parliament to adopt clear, transparent, and non-discriminatory media access policies that respect journalistic independence in case their demands are undermined.
According to him, Parliament, as the People’s House, is a public institution funded by taxpayers and must remain open to scrutiny and coverage by all accredited media platforms without discrimination or intimidation.
Kirunda cited an incident at the end of last month, where the Rt Hon Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja and the Ministry of Health PS Dr Diana Atwine attacked the Galaxy Radio- TV journalist David Mwesigwa for reporting to HE the president about the rot visa vise service delivery at Mukono, Kayunga and Namuganga Government Health Facilities. Incidentally the Rt Hon Nabbanja responded by ordering for Mwesigwa’s immediate arrest.
“Any move to restrict media access to Parliament is, therefore, an affront to the sovereignty of the people and a step backwards in the Uganda ‘s democratic journey,” he said.
He reaffirmed that UJA stands in full solidarity with NMG and all journalists who continue to work under increasingly hostile and restrictive conditions.
