By David Serumaga
On Saturday, May, 3 2025, journalists in Uganda joined their colleagues all over the world to commemorate World Press Freedom Day under the theme “Reporting in the Brave World – The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom.”
However, in places where the celebrations took place like Kampala, Masaka, and Nakasongola, among others, journalists raised alarms over increasing attacks on media freedom and the need for stronger media protection and unity in the face of challenges.
It is true that there are minimal attacks on media freedom in Uganda, which must be handled urgently by agencies in charge of media, security organizations, and the journalists themselves as we approach the election period.
As we reflect on this year’s theme, journalists should consider their lives first before going to places where there is mayhem. They should bear in mind that there is no story worth their lives. When there is a protest anywhere and there is an exchange with security organs, the tear gas or stones from rioters will not spare journalists.
However, poor pay or no pay as the core problem affecting journalists was not at the forefront during the World Press Freedom Day celebrations. Journalists often face financial hardship, with many earning significantly less than the average income.
A report from the African Centre for Media Excellence found that most journalists earn $280 or less per month. In this report, it was revealed that the situation is worse in rural areas, where three-quarters of journalists make $140 or even less, compared to only one in ten in Kampala.
During the media engagements Uganda Media Centre has had in the last six months throughout the country, it is evident that there are several journalists who go for months without any single coin from their bosses. This means that even if they are paid less, consistent and timely payments are not guaranteed.
Paying journalists a fair wage is not just an economic issue, but also an ethical constraint. Poor or no pay significantly impacts media reporting, leading to compromised ethics, self-censorship, and a higher risk of bribes or unethical practices. This can result in the spread of misinformation, biased reporting, and a decline in the quality of journalism.
Several journalists are in the newsrooms without any working contracts, which has made their bosses ride on that trick by not paying them or even when they are paid, it is at the discretion of the one paying, on how much he or she gives a journalist. Journalism, like any other job, is a demanding profession requiring skill, dedication, and unwavering commitment to truth. In most cases, journalists put their lives at risk, for example, those covering epidemics, fire outbreaks, riots, among others.
Many are sent into the field without any transport, which has led some journalists to shift the burden from their bosses to their sources, asking for ‘entambula y’omusasi’. In this new era, where Artificial Intelligence is taking centre stage in communication, journalists are required to send their work in time via the internet, but many are not well facilitated to deliver this promptly.
Media houses which are known for paying journalists poorly also, in most cases, do not facilitate media growth activities like investing in in-depth reporting and investigative journalism. This leads to a decline in the quality of content.
Poor or no pay to a journalist ultimately undermines public trust and hinders democratic processes. Investing in journalists improves readership, viewership and listenership, builds trust, and broadens public engagement, subscription, and advertising.
Happy World Press Freedom Day