media 6 May 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Uganda's Press Freedom Demands Discipline and Responsibility
On World Press Freedom Day, commentator Crispin Kaheru urged Uganda's media to prioritize accuracy and national interest over sensationalism and speed, emphasizing that true freedom requires discipline to build stability and economic growth. He highlighted press freedom's African roots and warned against the dangers of irresponsible reporting seen in past conflicts. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/oped/commentary/press-freedom-needs-discipline-5449046
World Press Freedom Day, observed on May 3, 2026, originated in Africa through the 1991 Windhoek Declaration, where journalists called for an independent and pluralistic press. The UN adopted it two years later, but its roots remain distinctly African.
Crispin Kaheru, a member of the Uganda Human Rights Commission, shared these insights after attending events at UBC grounds in Kampala. Unexpectedly pulled into a panel discussion, he stressed that Uganda enjoys relative press freedom stability amid global challenges, thanks to decades of state-building and security efforts.
He cautioned that unchecked media can spark conflicts, citing examples like Rwanda’s 1994 genocide, Kenya’s 2007 post-election violence, and recent social media roles in Myanmar and Ethiopia. A responsible press, Kaheru argued, prevents such fractures.
Beyond democracy, media serves as economic infrastructure. Investors seek reliable information, not chaos or sensationalism, making credibility essential for growth.
Kaheru called for a shift from mere freedom to responsibility amid Uganda’s 300+ radio stations, 30+ TV channels, 50+ print outlets, and digital flood. Journalists should favor truth over traffic, accuracy over likes, and national interest over headlines that disrupt public order.
Government’s role includes fostering truth-telling environments, smart regulation over control, punishing harm while tolerating criticism, and investing in informative media.
Ultimately, Kaheru concluded, peace requires truth, which demands a disciplined press. Uganda needs less noise and more responsibility.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)