Kigezi police commends journalists for sensitising community

The Kigezi sub-region police has commended members of the Fourth Estate for its role in sensitizing and mobilizing the community, despite the challenges of accessing information.

Mr Elly Maate, the Kigezi Region Police spokesperson, said the press has aided the police and other stakeholders through community policing programmes that mobilise and sensitise the public against crime, contributing to a safer society.

Mr Maate was addressing the media on Friday ahead of the World Press Freedom Day celebrations, scheduled for May 3.

The day will be observed under the theme, "The Press for the Planet: Journalism in the Face of the Environmental Crisis," with the Kigezi function at the Agaba Centre in the Central Division of Kabale Municipality.

Mr Maate also stressed the crucial role of the press in society, particularly in promoting peace and harmony.

He, however, urged stakeholders and office bearers to always feel free to inform journalists to help maintain a crime-free society.

“Despite the challenges you face during your work, I want to use his chance to thank the press for the work well-done in sensitising our people especially about community policing. As police we have worked so closely with media to ensure that our people are informed,”Maate noted.

Job Namanya, the Chairperson of the organizing committee for the World Press Day celebration, remarked that the Kabale media fraternity sees the importance of celebrating World Press Day as a way to unite and bond.

He added that unity fosters prosperity and cooperation, and the celebration will serve as a tool to bring all journalists of the Kigezi region together.

The essence of the event is to create bonds among them that will foster the growth of their association.

“This is the first ever celebration to take shape in Kabale and this will champion unity amongst journalists. Over the years journalists in Kabale have been missing out on some benefiting projects," Namanya said.

Esther Ayebazibwe, the chairperson of the Kabale Media Practitioners Association, emphasized that the soon-to-be-launched association will include not only journalists but also everyone practicing journalism, media, and communication.

She stated that it will guide practitioners towards professional practice and will focus on how journalism can improve practices in the district and the country. Furthermore, it will promote research on societal issues.

Andrew Agaba, manager Voice of Kigezi - who is also the advisor on the organising committee - stressed that they have invited the Minister for the Presidency Milly Babalanda as the chief guest.

Key note speakers include Ibrahim Ssemujju, MP Kira Municipality, as well as Robert Ssempala, the executive director of Human Rights Network for Journalists, regional ministers and members of parliament.

Over the years police has worked closely with media. It should also be noted that world press freedom day celebrated worldwide.