Journalists in Uganda have done a commendable job covering the riots which has given the general public the actual impression of the Government they have. As we celebrate the World Press Freedom Day, May 3, we cannot forget those journalists who have been terrorized by the Police and other armed security operatives to the extent that some have lost lives. Those of us in good Governance have one message in that those who are involved in Education in Uganda and the world over should endeavour to incorporate Democracy and Human Rights when they are teaching. The people who are causing our suffering are those who have failed to live within the norms expected of a democratic leader. A national constitution is made and some one thinks that he is at liberty to manipulate this constitution so that he can stay in power for as long as he likes, this is the greatest undoing in our countries. Meanwhile, when leaders cause situations which lead to riots as have been witnessed in Uganda,the media houses should endeavour to see that journalists who go to cover these incidents are protected.
William Kituuka Kiwanuka
ABOUT WORLD PRESS FREEDOM DAY
Every year, May 3rd is a date which celebrates the fundamental principles of press freedom; to evaluate press freedom around the world, to defend the media from attacks on their independence and to pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the exercise of their profession.
3 May was proclaimed World Press Freedom Day the UN General Assembly in 1993 following a Recommendation adopted at the twenty-sixth session of UNESCO's General Conference in 1991.
It serves as an occasion to inform citizens of violations of press freedom - a reminder that in dozens of countries around the world, publications are censored, fined, suspended and closed down, while journalists, editors and publishers are harassed, attacked, detained and even murdered.
It is a date to encourage and develop initiatives in favour of press freedom, and to assess the state of press freedom worldwide.
It serves as a reminder to governments of the need to respect their commitment to press freedom and is also a day of reflection among media professionals about issues of press freedom and professional ethics. Just as importantly, World Press Freedom Day is a day of support for media which are targets for the restraint, or abolition, of press freedom. It is also a day of remembrance for those journalists who lost their lives in the exercise of their profession.
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