Disability advocates have taken the media to task for underreporting their issues and portraying them in an undignified manner.   The National Union for Disabled Persons (NUDIPU) met with journalists at Hotel Africana on Tuesday to discuss the way forward.   NUDIPU’s chairperson, Mr Francis Kinubi, said stories on disability are hidden away in the papers. “We also want to be seen on the front pages,” he asserted.   Ms Esther Kyozira, the Human Rights…

Although the vibrancy of the Uganda media continues to grow against all odds, major challenges remain in terms of capturing the significance or relevance of the events and issues in the news.   After all the passionate debate that the lack of adequate legislation on oil exploration and production generated, especially following the resolutions passed overwhelmingly by parliament last October, it is shocking and disappointing that the mainstream media have covered the tabling of the…

More than 100 journalists were attacked in 2011 as they executed their duties, a new report by the Human Rights Network for Journalists (HRNJ-Uganda) has revealed.   The number jumped from 58 recorded cases in 2010 to 107 in 2011. In 2009, only 38 cases were reported.   The report comes a few days after the Reporters Without Borders released a report showing that Uganda has slipped 43 places to 139th position in worldwide press…

A Uganda Court on Tuesday morning acquitted two Daily Monitor editors accused of forging President Museveni’s letter on Bunyoro/Bafuuruki land question, two years after they were charged by the same court.   Mr Daniel Kalinaki, the managing editor, and Mr Henry Ochieng, the political editor, were acquitted by Chief Magistrate Joyce Kavuma, citing failure by prosecution to prove the vital ingredients of forgery that would necessitate them to defend themselves against the allegations.   “I…

Applications for the upcoming class will be accepted through 29 February, 2012.   This May, in Kampala, Uganda, Revenue Watch will begin the third class for African journalists seeking new expertise in reporting on oil, gas and minerals.   Without an informed, responsive media community providing oversight of the money from these industries, governance weakens, corruption rises and citizens lack the knowledge to hold their governments accountable and the opportunity to benefit fully from their…

Uganda has slipped 43 places to 139th position in the just-released press freedom rankings by Reporters without Borders, an international organisation that campaigns for a free press.   According to a report accompanying the rankings, many countries, including Uganda, fell in 2011 due to increased government crackdown on public protests. The media were thus also targeted as the security services sought to stop especially broadcast reporters from filming the demonstrations.   The rankings come barely…

Uganda has in recent times witnessed the passing of laws that undermine enjoyment of rights and an increase in proposals for draconian legislation that would not only undermine the enjoyment of rights but also limit the citizen’s role in governance and holding the state accountable.   The Public Order Management Bill, 2009 (POMB) is one of such proposals. Presently the POMB is before Parliament’s Committee on Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, which is receiving views on…

Three journalists on Tuesday won prizes for best reporting at the first oil and gas media awards event organised by the African Centre for Media Excellence and the Revenue Watch Institute.   Mr. Ibrahim Kasita, a senior business writer with the New Vision newspaper, took the prize for best reporting in the print category for his investigative story: Government Could Pay Billions for Idle Rigs.   The story, the judges said, “is a distinguished example…

Reporters have rejected a new proposal by the Ugandan Parliament that would have them locked out for filing stories containing what the Speaker considers to be inaccuracies.   The proposal also gives the Speaker power to dismiss journalists from Parliament if they do not follow the rules of procedure of the House.   The new proposed Rule states: “Any media institution whose representative infringes these Rules or any rules made by the Speaker for the…

Against a backdrop of animated debate on Uganda's emerging oil industry, journalists and government representatives had a rare chance to sit down informally to discuss the central issue of government secrecy in its dealings with oil and mining companies.   Twenty-five editors and reporters met with officials and civil society members in Kampala, Uganda, for an "editor briefing" on transparency and accountability. The 21 November meeting was part of RWI's media training program for journalists…

A Rwandan journalist Charles Ingabire has been shot dead in Kampala, police has said.   Mr Ingabire, 32, who was the editor for Inyenyeri news in Rwanda was shot dead by an unknown person at a bar in Kampala on November 30.   Two suspects, a guard and a waiter from the bar have been arrested over the murder.   According to Police, Mr Igabire's body was found with two bullet wounds.   Mr Ibin…