Ugandan journalists will reflect over shrinking media space as they join their counterparts across the globe to mark world press freedom day
Uganda’s ranking in the index has dropped five places to 117 this year. Tanzania had the best ranking in East Africa at 93, followed by Kenya at 96.
According to the index, journalists in Uganda face acts of intimidation and violence mostly carried out by security services, which beat and abduct journalists for any criticism of authorities. President Yoweri Museveni has continuously referred to journalists as rumormongers.
The theme of the 2018 celebration highlights the importance of an enabling legal environment for press freedom, and gives special attention to the role of an independent judiciary in ensuring legal guarantees for press freedom and the prosecution of crimes against journalists.
At the same time, the theme addresses the role of the media in sustainable development, especially during elections – as a watchdog fostering transparency, accountability and the rule of law.
The theme also aims to explore legislative gaps with regard to freedom of expression and information online, and the risks of regulating online speech.
