KAMPALA- The Minister ICT and National Guidance Hon. Dr. Chris Baryomunsi has said that the government is committed to ensure a vibrant media which is focused on helping the general public become a productive population.
Minister Baryomunsi made the remarks yesterday while speaking at the reinstatement of Central Broadcasting Services (CBS) Radio License that had been revoked 14 years ago.
When NRM took over power 38 years ago, there was no serious media to speak and the NRM later took to liberalization of sectors and now there is vast thriving media houses that include the private service providers where CBS comes in.
The Minister revealed that the country now has over 300 radio stations and the digital media also has a good share of the media space which is achievements worth to celebrate and proud of and these many players call for a regulator and this how Uganda Communication Commission comes into play.
He however said that it was regrettable that circumstances called for revoking of the CBS license and said that he hoped such circumstances should not be brought back to such a scenario and asked the broadcasters should follow the minimum broadcasting standards, and operate within the precincts of the law.
“We are aware that CBS Was operating without a license but we also don’t like conflict since you have been doing a good job and equally offering good service to citizenry”.
Minister Baryomunsi affirms that the government shall continue to regulate the media if minimum broadcasting standards are not met, but said that the move is not meant to stifle the media operations but to restore order and sanity instead.
He therefore called the Uganda Communications Commission not to shy away from their regulatory role and responsibility and added that international media must also respect Uganda’s regulations as they conduct business.
The Minister said that he was glad to receive CBS’ commitment to professionalism and compliance and applauded their role in socio-economic development and also called upon broadcasters to strengthen areas of preventive health since radio is still trusted as a source of authentic information.
The event was also attended by the Chief Executive Officer of Uganda Communication Commission Hon Nyombi Thembo and Central Broadcasting Services officials.
