The Senior Presidential Advisor for Special Operations, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has directed that media leaders be taken to Kyankwanzi for a swift training session. Muhoozi stated that this training is aimed at educating media leaders about their responsibilities to the nation and teaching them about the dangers of spreading harmful information.
Muhoozi emphasized that the training will focus on instilling a sense of accountability among media leaders and educating them on the negative impact of disseminating misleading information to the public. This directive was issued during a meeting organized by Muhoozi, which was attended by the Minister for Youth and Children Affairs, Balaam Barugahara, and other officials.
Balaam Barugahara clarified that the media leaders' trip to Kyankwanzi does not mean they are being converted to support the National Resistance Movement (NRM). He explained that the training is part of efforts to improve the quality of information disseminated by the media.
Regarding the incident involving Top TV journalist Miracle Ibrah, who was injured while covering the by-election in Kawempe North, Balaam assured that President Museveni is personally following up on the matter and has taken responsibility for covering all medical expenses. He also mentioned that measures are being put in place to ensure the safety of journalists in the future.
Nyombi Tembo, the head of the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), expressed concern over the increasing tendency of some media outlets to promote political divisions and criticize national leaders. He stressed the need for this trend to be addressed promptly.
Nyombi also criticized media houses for broadcasting scenes of police using tear gas on crowds without showing the context of why such actions were taken. He urged media outlets to provide balanced reporting to avoid inciting public unrest.
Felix Kulaigye, the spokesperson for the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), highlighted the importance of a well-regulated media in maintaining national stability. He called on journalists to love their country and to report responsibly, ensuring that their work contributes to the nation's development.
This initiative reflects the government's ongoing efforts to ensure that the media operates in a manner that promotes national unity and responsible journalism. The training at Kyankwanzi is expected to equip media leaders with the necessary skills and knowledge to fulfill their roles effectively while upholding ethical standards.
