Hon. Kaboyo urges Media to uphold Integrity, National Identity at Annual Broadcasters Conference

On 29th November 2024 – Imperial Royale Hotel, Kampala – The Annual Broadcasters Conference, organized by the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), brought together key stakeholders from across the country, including government leaders, media practitioners, broadcasters, and communications regulators. The event, held at the Imperial Royale Hotel, provided a platform for open discussions on emerging issues in the broadcasting sector and underscored the media’s pivotal role in Uganda’s socio-economic transformation.

The Minister of State for Luwero Triangle, Hon. Alice K. Kaboyo, took center stage as she addressed the gathering, highlighting the vital role of the media in shaping Uganda’s future. She began by expressing her gratitude to media practitioners for their tireless work in educating, informing, and inspiring Ugandans. “The media is a critical partner in our journey toward socio-economic transformation,” she said, acknowledging the media’s power to drive national change.

Hon. Kaboyo underscored the importance of communication in the implementation of government policies, particularly in areas like healthcare, education, infrastructure development, and youth empowerment. “It is essential for you, as media professionals, to bridge the gap between government initiatives and the people,” she remarked. “Your work helps to popularize, sensitize, and mobilize the public around key issues that affect their lives.”

The Minister further emphasized that the media, often referred to as the “fourth estate,” has a unique responsibility in upholding democracy, accountability, and transparency. “The media must continue to be a strong pillar of democracy,” she stated. “Your role is to inform, educate, and hold institutions accountable, ensuring that the government remains answerable to the people.”

While praising the media for its role, Hon. Kaboyo did not shy away from addressing the challenges that come with the rapidly evolving media landscape. With the increasing spread of misinformation, fake news, and sensationalism, she urged broadcasters to remain vigilant and adhere to the highest standards of professionalism and ethics. “In this age of misinformation, your duty is even more crucial,” she emphasized. “The media must be a beacon of truth, working to unite and educate the nation, not to divide or mislead.”

Hon. Kaboyo also touched on the importance of a media approach that reflects Uganda’s unique context. She cautioned against the adoption of Western media models that may not align with the country’s growing economy and socio-cultural realities. “Our path to prosperity is distinct,” she said. “We must shape our media narratives to reflect our values, culture, and aspirations as a nation.”

Hon. Joyce Ssebugwawo, Minister of State for ICT, also addressed the conference, commending UCC for its efforts in streamlining the law governing Uganda’s media and creative industries. She emphasized the economic potential of the creative sector, noting that it not only provides employment opportunities but also plays a critical role in preserving and promoting Uganda’s culture and identity.

“The creative sector is an essential part of our economy,” she said. “It unites economic involvement, employment, and the preservation of our unique cultural identity. It is vital that we continue to support and empower this sector to thrive.”

The Inspector General of Government, Hon. Beti Kamya, also participated in the event, underscoring the importance of collaboration between the media and regulatory bodies. She emphasized the critical role broadcasters play in shaping public opinion and holding the government accountable. “Broadcasters are the people who hold the public’s attention,” she stated, highlighting the value of engaging with media professionals in driving national discourse. Hon. Kamya also spoke about the nationwide regional engagement initiative, aimed at reaching over 2,500 broadcasters across the country, a crucial step in strengthening media’s role in governance and transparency.

Dr. Simba Ssali, Commissioner at the Uganda Electoral Commission, reassured the public of the Electoral Commission’s commitment to ensuring peaceful elections in 2026. He emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and unity during the election process, stating that Uganda’s electoral journey would be free, fair, credible, and peaceful. “We have an obligation to keep our country peaceful,” Dr. Ssali said, adding, “At the end of the day, we have one beautiful country called Uganda.”

Jules Mweheire, Director of Economic Regulation, Content & Consumer Affairs at UCC, spoke about the partnership between the Commission and broadcasters in building capacity and promoting a balanced approach to media regulation. “We are committed to providing a platform for government and the private sector to engage with the media,” he explained. “This ensures media freedom while maintaining compliance with national regulations.”

In her concluding remarks, Hon. Kaboyo reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting the media sector. “The government values your partnership,” she said, addressing the media professionals in the room. “Together, we can continue to build a more informed, united, and prosperous Uganda.”

The conference, a significant platform for media-government dialogue, saw key discussions aimed at enhancing the media sector’s role in national development. With contributions from a wide range of stakeholders, the event emphasized the need for collaboration and commitment to ethical practices in media.

The Annual Broadcasters’ Conference continues to play a vital role in fostering cooperation between broadcasters, regulatory bodies, and government institutions. This year’s event, particularly focused on stakeholders from the Central Region, underscored the importance of media in advancing Uganda’s socio-economic goals.