The Judiciary has finalised plans to release new guidelines on media coverage of court proceedings in Uganda, the Chief Registrar, Agnes Alum has said.
Speaking during a media interaction in Kampala on Wednesday, Alum said the guidelines are currently being drafted before they are released.
“ These guidelines are intended to provide clarity on reporting procedures, strengthen coordination between court officials and journalists, and promote professional, accurate, and responsible court reporting,” she said.
“ Their purpose is not to limit media freedom, but rather to establish a clear and predictable framework that enables both the Judiciary and the media to effectively discharge their respective constitutional mandates.”
Officials from the Judiciary said on Wednesday that the media would be invited to have an input in the new guidelines.
During the same briefing, the Chief Registrar announced an ongoing accreditation exercise for media covering courts.
She said the initiative is intended to create a structured framework for media access to our courts and to facilitate timely and accurate dissemination of information to the public
“ I am confident that, once fully implemented, the accreditation framework will improve our working relationship and create a more efficient environment for both the Judiciary and the media.”
The Chief Registrar said the Judiciary remains committed to “consolidating the gains made under previous reforms while accelerating our transformation agenda towards a more responsive, efficient, and people-centred justice system.”
