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Government Orders Compulsory Cadre Course for Journalists
Kampala- Uganda. The government has ordered journalists are to undergo a mandatory cadre course at the National Leadership Institute in Kyankwanzi.
Minister Balaam Barugahara confirmed this while delivering Chief Of Defence Forces Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s message in a stakeholder meeting with media owners and executives at Uganda Communications Commission headquarters in Bugolobi, Kampala.
In a meeting that was initially out-of-bounds to the media, the minister said this directive had come from President Museveni through the Chief of Defence forces.
Mr Balaam said the “few days’ course” should be concluded by June 30.
He also emphasised the need for media operators and editors to take proactive steps to mitigate and eliminate harmful content, guarantee consistency and accuracy in the publishing of content.
UCC Executive Director George William Nyombi Thembo reminded the media owners that beyond licensing and regulation, the commission also takes the responsibility to ensure that national security is ensured.
During a chaotic Kawempe North by-election nominations on Wednesday, Top TV journalist Ibrahim Miracle was shot in the eye and the Defence and Military spokesperson, Acting Maj Gen Felix Kulayigye used the Thursday briefing to condemn security elements who have been rough and violent to journalists.
“I want to remind you that whoever is out there wielding sticks and guns, the entire institution is not responsible. There are errant elements and I promise they will be brought to book,” he said.
The meeting that was first informally communicated by General Muhoozi on his X saw a host of media owners and executives from different associations – including the National Broadcasters’ Association, Rural Broadcasters’ Association of Uganda and the Uganda Online media publishers attend.
Notable among the attendees was the Chairman Board of Trustees National Broadcasters Association (NAB) and Next Media Chief Executive Kin Kariisa, Salt Media proprietor Pastor Aloysious Bugingo, Super FM’s Peter Semmatimba and Galaxy FM/TV’s Innocent Nahabwe, among hundreds others.
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