By Charles Katabalwa,
KAMPALA
The Uganda Journalists Association (UJA) has officially launched its activities for the 2024 World Press Freedom Day (WPFD) celebrations. Speaking at a press conference held at Speak Hotel in Kampala, UJA President Mathias Rukundo highlighted the challenges facing journalists in Uganda, including threats to press freedom and the increasing number of journalists being laid off by media houses.
Rukundo emphasized the importance of the media in society and called on Parliament to take an active interest in addressing issues affecting journalists. He specifically mentioned the need for Parliament to monitor the exploitation and violation of journalists’ rights by employers and to find lasting solutions to these problems.
Additionally, Rukundo called on President Yoweri Museveni to expedite the government’s capitalization of the UJA SACCO, as promised during a meeting with journalists in 2023. This, he believes, will help address the economic challenges faced by journalists in the country.
The UJA, in partnership with various organizations, will be leading the celebrations with a focus on the theme of press freedom and its role in environmental conservation, democracy, good governance, and socio-economic development. A series of activities are planned, including a media football gala, tree planting campaign, modern-day heroes awards, and stakeholder engagement sessions.
The celebration will culminate in a joint press conference on May 3rd, where awards will be presented to individuals and organizations that have contributed significantly to the media sector and environmental conservation in Uganda. The UJA is also planning outreach engagements with stakeholders to reaffirm their commitment to press freedom and related issues.
In closing, Rukundo expressed gratitude to all those who have supported the preparations for the WPFD activities, including media houses, organizations, and individuals. He urged everyone to participate in the planned events and use their collective voice to speak out against violations of press freedom in Uganda.
