RUKUNGIRI- The Minister of Security and Rujumbura County Member of Parliament Hon. Maj. Gen. Jim Katugugu Muhwezi has urged Journalists to be beacons of fighting politics of identity, a situation that might lure the country into bloodshed.
Minister Muhwezi made the revelation on Saturday 9th October 2024 during a Kigezi Media Symposium held at Rukungiri Inn, in Eastern Division, Rukungiri Municipality.
Minister Muhwezi also called for patriotism reporting stressing that the message carried in what journalists write or air our carry out can hurt their working environment.
According to Minister Muhwezi, the journalists must protect the Unity concept of the NRM government and urged the journalists to help the community in doing away with Politicians promoting sectarian politics given the negative impact they are likely to cause to Ugandans.
“Electing leaders is about choosing individuals who will serve everyone, not clan or religious representatives,” Minister Muhwezi stressed, expressing concern over the resurgence of identity politics in the Kigezi region, which he warns poses a national security risk by creating societal vulnerabilities.
The Minister called on journalists to act as responsible advocates against divisive rhetoric, highlighting that media outlets have sometimes allowed platforms for identity-based politics and defamation.
He cautioned that this trend could lead to serious legal consequences for journalists if standards of truth and fairness are not upheld.
“The law could hold many accountable for unsubstantiated content, as media defamation has become too common,” he added.
Dr Jude Katerega, a political consultant and President of Ugandans Below Forty years- UB40 used the same opportunity to implore journalists to work on their social economic welfare stressing that most of them are being used to fight battles since they are financially unwell.
The symposium themed “Encouraging Ugandans to Desist from Politics of Identity through awareness creation by informing managers” is particularly relevant in today’s societal context.
The symposium is an opportunity to fostering open discussions and promoting awareness, as well as inspiring positive change in Uganda’s political landscape.
Katerega also warned the journalists to desist from irresponsible media coverage and reporting since it may land them in turmoil on top of undermining the country’s reputation.
He went on to implore the attendants to join the money economy by creating alternative sources of income to supplement their salaries, most of which are not enough to help them lead lives they admire.
Katerega argued journalists to use the podium they currently enjoy to help educate and popularize poverty alleviation programs engineered by the National Resistance Movement to help the community do away with poverty.
“It’s so unfortunate that you’re the mouthpieces of all development agendas in this country, but most of you have not been able to transform to walk the talk” said Katerega.
Being the eyes of the community, Katerega implored the journalists to educate the masses on the qualities of good leaders they deserve to elevate the status of their areas.
