KAMPALA – Speaking to the press last evening the State Minister for ICT Hon. Peter Ogwang reminded all broadcasters, that the respective licenses they operate under require them to ensure that all content broadcast through their radios, televisions, or online platforms is lawful and strictly conforms to the minimum broadcasting standards as enshrined in Schedule 4 of the Uganda Communications Act 2013, and the Uganda Communications (Content) Regulations 2019.
He further said that the Uganda Communications Commission has been put on notice to intensify vigilance in monitoring content broadcast on all media platforms in Uganda and to take appropriate regulatory sanctions against any errant broadcaster.
“I wish to also remind all individual journalists of their professional obligation to ensure that they execute their work in strict conformity with the Ethical Code of Conduct for journalists as enshrined in the Fourth Schedule to the Press and Journalist Act, Cap 105.”
Ogwang says that the media should not abdicate their professional duty to be responsible, accountable, and work as vanguards of peace and stability in society instead of being used as conduits for propagating unconstitutional activities by politicians.
The Minister promised to take action against media players who glorify violence and broadcast content that has potential to incite violence.
Besides, the Media Council and the Directorate of National Guidance shall regularly monitor the ethical conduct of journalists and take remedial action to address harmful behaviours through digital civic education, community engagement, and intercultural dialogue.
The Minister reassured the country that the Joint Security agencies are prepared to counter any acts of violence and breach of the peace as planned by the perpetrators of violence and their instigators have been warned of dire consequences as 30 suspects have already been arrested and are in custody at CPS Kampala.
The public has been advised not to be intimated by the increased security deployment around the streets of Kampala Metropolitan areas in Kisekka, Kisenyi, Bwaise, Rubaga, Kawempe, Nansana, Makindye, Katwe, Mukono, and Seeta, as well as the districts of Masaka, Mityana, Mpigi, Gomba, and Butambala, among others.
Ogwang has emphasized that the men and women in uniform are under strict command and control to respect the rights of peaceful residents but decisively deal with any criminal elements.
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