Is freedom of expression the preserve of the rich?

The Uganda Cabinet is currently reviewing proposed amendments to the Press and Journalist Act 2001, the law that governs media practice.

Like all citizens and well-meaning people in government, every Ugandan journalist wants to work in a media industry that is responsible, respected and alive to the public’s right to know.

In fact, every journalist shares the government and citizens’ concerns about the professionalism of the media.

True, sometimes the media report news and information that are either poorly researched or not based on verifiable facts.

But these weaknesses cannot be solved by punitive laws.

Organised and credible self-regulation, ongoing training, experience, constant professional soul-searching, and time for the industry to mature will contribute far more to addressing these problems than harsh laws.

Most practitioners recognise that sensationalism as well as biased and insensitive reporting do undermine the very fabric of their trade.

That said, every single day the overwhelming proportion of news and information reported in the media mirrors what is actually happening in our society.

A society that has no free and credible avenues for examining itself can neither correct its failures nor benefit from the best thinking available in the marketplace of ideas.

That is why we believe that if passed into law, the proposed Press and Journalist (Amendment) Bill 2010 will further erode press freedom and free expression in Uganda.

Our media are already burdened with repressive laws like those that make it a crime to publish unfavourable information about government activities and public officials.

One problem with the amendments is that the government takes a very narrow view of the print media as a political player.

But newspapers and news magazines are businesses like any other.

By providing employment, they sustain families.

By paying taxes, they contribute to economic growth.