The Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has revealed plans to have Directors and Technical Managers of media outlets undergo a cardership cause at the National Leadership Institute (NALI) in Kyankwanzi district.
Planned for the end of June this year, the CDF wants the Media Managers to get acquainted with patriotism, professional ethics and performance and leadership affairs.
This has been revealed on his behalf by the State Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Dr. Balaam Barugahara during a meeting with Media Proprietors and Managers at the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) head offices at Bugolobi, Kampala on Thursday.
He says there is a growing concern over the continued broadcast of content that contains hate speech that is creating disharmony amongst the public. Such content is increasingly sensational, spreading hatred, false information capable of inciting violence among the population which similar concerns are allegedly raised by the National Security Council.
He later admitted and apologized for the brutal treatment of journalists during the nominations for the Kawempe North parliamentary seat by-election, saying a journalist Miracle Ibra who almost lost his eye will be treated on Government funds.
The UCC Executive Director George William Nyombi Thembo emphasized that as regulators they too have had a growing concern over the professional performance of some member practitioners, saying their role at this material time of electioneering is supervision and regulation, however in case of any security concerns the higher authority will take its mandate against any media house purposely to ensure that Uganda is secure.
On behalf of the broadcasters, the Secretary of National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), Kin Kalisa called for sobriety while taking any steps against the media adding that some of the actions the media is accused of are orchestrated by offices and people in the Government in most times which would be avoided or resolved if they engaged the media managements as it has always been.
By Francis Jjunju
27 February 2025
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