The Uganda Journalists Association (UJA) has strongly condemned the directive issued by the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) requiring media house owners to regulate their employees’ social media activities.

Last Friday, UCC’s Executive Director, Nyombi Thembo said during a meeting in Kampala that media outlets should hold journalists accountable for their personal online posts.

UJA Secretary General Emmanuel Kirunda says the directive is an attack on independent journalism and a violation of press freedom.

He has urged media owners to disregard the directive, warning that it could lead to legal consequences for those who comply. 

However he said the association also reiterated its commitment to seeking legal redress for any journalists affected by the directive and called for the resolution of all pending legal cases involving journalists and the UCC.

By Charles Katabalwa

21 Oct 2024

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