No country, including my own, has a perfect record with press freedom – Malac

By Francis Otucu

The United States ambassador to Uganda, Deborah Malac has in this morning address encouraged journalists to keep the good fight, pledging commitment to backing journalism.

“I encourage you to stick with it.  Keep up the good fight.  The U.S. Embassy will be your committed partner.  We need you.  Uganda needs you,” Malac said adding, “You have a very important role to play as well.”

Malac was speaking at the World Press Freedom Day National Dialogue held at the Golf Course Hotel, Kampala Friday when she noted that there is usually a natural tension between government and the media.

“No country, including my own, has a perfect record with press freedom.  There is a natural tension, at times, between a country’s government and the media.  But that is the way it’s supposed to be.  A democratic government should truly want its media to be strong enough to challenge the government when it may be at fault, but at the same time be honest enough to applaud the government for a success.  These are the ideals we should be striving for,” she said.

She was however concerned about the decline in press freedom in Uganda.

“I could go on, but the point is that sadly, when it comes to press freedom in Uganda, things are getting worse.  So what can we do about it?  Well, today is a good start.  Our coming together and reaffirmation of our commitment to supporting press freedom and Uganda’s journalist community is essential,” she noted.

Quoting Reporters Without Borders’ 2019 World Press Freedom Index, Malac said Uganda dropped 8 places to a ranking of 125 out of 180 countries in the world, compared to 117 the previous year which she said is worrying.

“Beyond that obvious violation of press freedom, other recent trends to curtail freedom of expression are very concerning.  Many media houses and radio stations have been closed recently based on content they have broadcasted.  The UCC has levied new fees on media houses, and has ordered media houses either to broadcast or not to broadcast specific content.  And the government has just recently proposed new regulations that would significantly restrict freedom of expression for artists,”

She however called for fair reporting.

“I encourage you to ensure that your reporting is fair and factual – this goes for reporters and editors alike,” she said.