NEWS- The Executive Director of Uganda Communication Commission Nyombi Tembo has said that the Commission is increasing regulatory enforcement to ensure accountability while safeguarding civil liberties.
Nyombi Thembo said that the proposed measures aim to enhance media oversight and accountability in Uganda which includes implementing stricter regulations for both online and traditional media to ensure responsible reporting.
Nyombi Thembo made these remarks today when he joined key stakeholders in media who included Chief Executive Officers, Security Agencies and government representatives to tackle one of the biggest challenges of the current times that involve power and responsibility of the media.
“In Uganda, the right to free speech and media freedom is protected; however, these rights come with responsibilities” Nyonbi Thembo said.
He made it categorically clear that when media is misused through misinformation, incitement, or sectarianism, it poses a threat to national security, unity and public trust.
“Uganda stands at a critical crossroads and media freedoms are essential, but if unchecked, they can lead to misinformation, hate speech and unrest” Nyombi Thembo said.
Earlier, the Minister of State for Youth and Children Affairs Hon Balaam BarugaharaAteenyi said that freedom of speech should not prejudice the rights of others or national interests.
He said that the government is determined to prevent a repeat of history, recalling how the misuse of media fuelled conflicts, from the Rwandan Genocide to the Arab Spring.
A key new initiative involves the Uganda Communications Commission collaborating with security agencies to effectively combat harmful content and influential online content creators are required to register and comply with national laws, emphasizing the importance of accountability in the digital space.
Minister Barugahara who is a media owner said that in order to further support these efforts, a nationwide campaign is set to raise public awareness about media ethics and promote responsible content consumption among citizens.
He further disclosed that media leaders such as Chief Executive Officers and Editors will participate in a specialised training program at the National Leadership Institute (NALI) and this comprehensive approach is not only aiming at strengthening the media integrity but also fosters a more informed and engaged public.
“This initiative is not about silencing voices but rather ensuring responsible journalism—factual, balanced, and ethical reporting that upholds peace and national stability” He said.
Nyombi Thembo called on all media practitioners to embrace ethical journalism and fact-checking saying that together, they can safeguard Uganda’s democratic space without compromising national security.
