Uganda

UCC Ordered by Court not to Implement Suspension of Journalists

498 views0
By

The High Court in Kampala has ordered Uganda Communication Commission not to implement its order for suspension of several journalists over stories related to Kyadondo East MP Robert Kyagulanyi also known as Bobi Wine.

UCC in an April 30 communication ordered 13 media houses to suspend 39 news managers, producers and heads of production as investigations into what they termed as violation of minimum broadcast standards go on.
In their application, journalists under their umbrella body, the Uganda Journalists Association sought for a temporary injunction halting the suspension of the journalists before the main application is disposed of by court.

On Thursday, Justice Lydia Mugambe said she was convinced if the temporary injunction is not granted, there would be an effect on the journalists mentioned in the order by UCC.

“An injunction is issued stopping UCC from implementing the said order until the main case is disposed of,” Justice Mugambe said.

In their defence, UCC said their order stemmed from an alert from security agencies in regards the conduct of the affected journalists which they said would amount to incitement of violence.

The regulator in its defence said it acted on the complaints by security agencies to order for suspension of the journalists.

However, in her ruling, Justice Mugambe said she was not convinced by UCC’s explanation, stressing that the complaint by security agencies should have been logged at police for investigation and criminal charges slapped on the said journalists.

“National security should not be an excuse for trampling on citizen’s rights. The threat of incitement of violence should have been demonstrated,” the judge said.

“I am not satisfied whether the threat rose to the level of that directive (by UCC).”

On the claims that the order had been changed into stepping aside and not being suspended, the judge said the move by UCC to meet broadcasters was a diversionary move meant to defeat justice for journalists which she said cannot be allowed.

Justice Lydia Mugambe ordered UCC not to implement the April 30 directive until the main case is disposed of.In their April 30 communication, UCC ordered a number of media houses including; NBS TV, NTV, Salt TV, BBS TV, Bukedde TV, Kingdom TV, Capital FM, CBS FM, Simba FM, Pearl FM, Akaboozi FM, Beat FM, and Sapientia FM, to suspend their producers, head of news and head of programs or else they risk sanctions prompting NAB to write back to them asking for a reversal of the orders.

What's your reaction?

Excited
0
Happy
0
In Love
0
Not Sure
0
Silly
0
Previous
Next

You may also like

Comments are closed.

More in:Uganda

Business

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI URGES EUROPEAN INVESTORS TO TAP INTO UGANDA’S ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES 

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has urged European investors to take advantage of Uganda’s economic opportunities, particularly in infrastructure, energy, manufacturing and agriculture, saying investment in productive sectors is key to expanding markets, creating jobs and accelerating economic transformation.    The President made the remarks today at State House Entebbe during a meeting with European Union Ambassadors and investors, where he highlighted Africa’s growing population and expanding market as a major opportunity for European businesses seeking investment and stronger economic partnerships. “This is what we have been advising our European friends to look at, because Africa is a big potential market with its fast-growing population,” he said. President Museveni attributed political instability in some African countries partly to identity-based politics, including tribalism, religious divisions and ideological misunderstandings, as well as a failure to appreciate the role of the private sector in driving economic growth. He said Uganda had learnt from these challenges and emphasised the need for a stable political and economic environment that enables private businesses to invest, expand production and create employment. The President welcomed ongoing and proposed European investments in Uganda, particularly in infrastructure and other productive sectors, saying such projects would strengthen economic links between Uganda and the European market. “All these projects are music to my ears. By constructing these projects here, you are linking the market of Uganda to that of Europe. Why can’t anyone see that?” he asked. On energy, President Museveni said the cost of electricity remained a critical factor in Uganda’s competitiveness, particularly for manufacturers seeking to produce goods at affordable prices. While welcoming private-sector investment in hydropower generation, he called for greater attention to electricity tariffs, arguing that affordable power was essential for industrial expansion and economic growth. He identified affordable electricity, railway transport and accessible financing for productive investments as key priorities for strengthening Uganda’s manufacturing sector. The President cited the Uganda Development Bank as an important source of financing for businesses engaged in productive activities, explaining that the government had retained the institution to support investments capable of expanding production and creating jobs. He also urged the European Investment Bank to channel more financing into strategic infrastructure, particularly railway development, electricity generation and distribution, and selected road projects. On road infrastructure, President Museveni encouraged European investors to explore opportunities in construction and financing models, including tolling arrangements where appropriate. The President also reaffirmed the government’s support for tax incentives aimed at attracting investment, particularly in manufacturing, and emphasised the importance of enabling eligible businesses to benefit from a 10-year tax holiday. ...
By Moses Buule Kizito