Improve media performance in Uganda – Kadaga

The Speaker of Parliament, Rebecca Kadaga, has expressed concern about local media content, which she says is key in promoting the progress of the media industry in Uganda.

She also observed that the Independent Media Council under the Ministry of Information and National Guidance was not operational and therefore not helping the situation.

The Speaker was meeting members of Parliamentary Forum on Media on Wednesday, 01 August 2018.

The Chairperson of the Forum, Hon. Paul Amoru (NRM, Dokolo North) said the Independent Media Council has not been working for 10 years now since the inception of a team to run its activities.

“Part of the challenge is that it has struggled to enjoy support within the industry and the team they appointed has not taken off since 2008,” said Amoru.

He noted that while there is a content policy for a number of sectors in the country, including oil and gas, the media did not have a harmonized position in that regard, which had limited opportunities for performing artistes to grow.

Amoru cited that self-regulation was also wanting, which he attributed to the inactivity of the Independent Media Council which he said “… has remained on paper… and part of the challenge is the capacity of media personnel”.

He suggested a legislative agenda to strengthen and build a strong and professional media industry, which would go a long way in improving the welfare of journalists and performing artistes among others.

Kadaga said that in a previous meeting with performing artistes in Uganda, she had learned that they had no office base, which had affected the progress of their professional work growth, and she had committed to support their cause.

“I told the performing artistes in a meeting that I would meet the President and discuss with him how to assist them, because they are doing a great job,” Kadaga said.