-In the months of April and May, we have witnessed government affront on the media in Uganda or designs by the state to muzzle the media. HURINET- U is greatly concerned and in utter disbelief that the state has blatantly continued to disregard calls by different players to respect, protect and promote the Bill of rights especially the media freedoms which are now facing increased threat, reads the opening of a press statement issued by Human Rights Network Uganda today. (23-MAY-08)

Based on HURINET´s press statement, issued today, this article has been edited and prepared for publication here by HRH F / Niels Jacob Harbitz. The text of the statement has been left unchanged.

Recent developments including the attack on the independent Magazine by CMI are very disturbing. Media Journalist Andrew Mwenda of the Independent Newspaper was arrested and had his home and work premises ransacked. He was arrested together with his other two (2) work colleagues and later released on bond over allegations that he had run seditious stories in the Independent Magazine. The attacks constitute grave and worrisome state interference with the media in Uganda and a breach of the fundamental and basic Rights and freedoms which are universal, interdependent and inalienable.

Recent reports that the state was orchestrating further clamp down on the media houses and journalists is therefore of immense concern to HURINETUganda and the Human rights fraternity. We are opposed to any structure and policies on the part of the state which are directed at stifling the independent and free media. We would like to point out that this is perceived to be the motivation behind the proposed inter-ministerial committee on the media.

Media practitioners and agencies deserve to operate independently in a conducive environment supported by the state as laid down in the National, Regional and International instruments that Uganda has ratified.

Noteworthy:
a) Article 9 of the African Charter provides that “every individual has the right to receive information and further states that every person has the right to express and disseminate his opinion.”
b) Article 29(1a) of the 1995constitution of the republic of Uganda provides that every person shall have the right to freedom of speech and expression which shall include freedom of the press and other media
c) Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political rights stipulates that everyone has the right to their own opinion, express themselves, share and discuss information and ideas.

We would like to remind government that;
The media deals with important issues affecting the country and it is one avenue where government is subjected to public scrutiny and accounts to the people. Freedom of expression is a key prerequisite of a democracy and the state is expected to ensure that it prevails. The ongoing onslaught on the media affects its professionalism as it demands media publications to conform to regime interest as opposed to truthful reporting. Matters of state security are of concern to every one and therefore it is the duty of the press to expose any weaknesses in them so that the organs of the state can improve.

Further we call upon the government to;
1. Recognize and respect its duties and obligations imposed upon it by Article 20(2) of the Constitution:
i. “The rights and freedoms of the individual and groups enshrined in the Constitution are to be respected, upheld and promoted by all groups and agencies of government…”
2. Respect the human rights of all individuals and groups as provided for in the International Human Rights instruments that Uganda has ratified.
3. Respect freedom of speech and expression which include freedom of press and other media.
4. Repeal the media laws that are inconsistent with International Instruments and Obligations
5. Respect the autonomy of the media practitioners and institutions as these form the basis of an open society which is pertinent in fostering a democratic society
6. Government should allow open criticism of inadequate policies as a way of allowing appropriate policy review, development and implementation.
…………………………..
Mr. Ndifuna Mohammed
National Coordinator
HURINET Uganda