By Laura Cenge
Even in the face of many challenges, such as unprecedented attacks from every corner, journalists continue to report the news of the world fearlessly in the hope of holding those in power accountable for their actions.
Three decades ago, in December 1993, the United Nations General Assembly declared World Press Freedom Day, following the recommendation of UNESCO’s general conference. From that day on, every year on May 3, the world over celebrates the anniversary of this prestigious day, which was initially the Declaration of Windhoek.
The Declaration of Windhoek is a landmark document set to recognise the significance of free press and freedom of expression in the growth and maintenance of democracy around the world.
World Press Freedom Day reminds governments of their responsibility to respect press freedom and prompts media professionals to reflect on ethics. Let’s promote a free and independent press for all.
According to the United Nations (UN), World Press Freedom Day is an opportunity to celebrate the fundamental principles of press freedom,assess the state of press freedom throughout the world, defend the media from attacks on their independence, and pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives while on the front lines of duty.
This year’s theme for the celebration of the World Press Freedom Day is “Shaping a Future of Rights:Freedom of Expression as a Driver for All Other Human Rights.”
John Semakula, a lecturer in Uganda Christian University’s School of Journalism, Media, and Communication, has expressed gratitude for the acknowledgement of the value of journalists around the world.
“We celebrate World Press Freedom Day in Uganda because we have relative freedom of expression in the country; journalists write stories that hold the government responsible, and the government does not persecute them,” said Semakula.
He also noted that the journalism fraternity has grown over time. There are a number of journalism training center in most tertiary institutions of learning.
However, according to Reporters Without Borders’ 2022 global press freedom survey, Uganda’s press freedom score has continued to deteriorate, with the country ranking 132 out of 180.
Crispin Kaheru, a member of the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC), has urged all state actors to consistently prioritise the protection and justice of journalists.
“We call on all state actors to consistently prioritise protection and justice of journalists as well as raise awareness about the crucial role that diverse and independent media plays in facilitating inclusive development,<” said Kaheru.
Rt. Hon. Anita Among, Speaker of the Ugandan Parliament, has urged on media owners to pay journalists in order to have effective reporting.
“These people need to be paid for them to work effectively and do better reporting; in most cases, they don’t do better reporting because they get compromised,” Amon explained. “Why do they get compromised because you don’t pay them salaried?”
With the increased emergence of independent media in many countries and the rise of digital technologies, there has been a free flow of information. But inside the free flow, the safety of journalists, media freedom, and freedom of expression are instead increasing, hence impacting the fulfillment of other human rights.
