As the country is gearing up for 2021 elections, Uganda Media Council has directed local and foreign journalists in the country, to re-apply for media accreditation within 7 days.
Paulo Ekochu, the chairman of the Uganda Media Council said the accreditation is meant to ensure that the council sanitize the industry from quacks.
“Therefore, the Media Council hereby notifies all media houses, their staff, freelancers and other stakeholders that it is accrediting journalists and media practitioners for coverage of events in Uganda in accordance with Section 8(1)(d) which provides for promotion, generally, of the law of information,” the statement reads in part.
He added that the registration of journalists will ensure recognition by state players on duty.
According to Section 29, of the Media Council, the council has the mandadated to register employees and freelancers practicing journalists in Uganda.
A registration Form G has been uploaded on the council website for journalists to fill and can be accessed on: www.mediacouncil.go.ug
The council has also directed local and foreign media practitioners intending to cover the 2021 elections to obtain a Special Media Pass from the Media Council showing particular geographical or thematic areas of intended coverage.
However, this remains uncertain because the current Special Media Pass being issued are expiring on December 31 and no renewal plans have been revealed.
