The role of civil society towards promotion of press freedom; a case study of human rights network for Journalists-Uganda
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Date
2018-08
Authors
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Journal ISSN
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Publisher
Kampala International University, College of Humanities and social sciences.
Abstract
The study the role of civil society towards promoting press freedom in Uganda using a case
study of Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda (HRNJ). It was guided by three
objectives that is; to examine the role played by civil society towards promotion of press
freedom in Uganda, to identify the challenges faced by civil society while conducting its
activities and to identify opportunities in terms of advancement of the civil society work.. The
study adopted a descriptive research design applying both qualitative and quantitative
research approaches. A total of 30 respondents participated in the study and these included
journalists and HRNJ-Uganda staff. Self-administered questionnaires and key informant
interviews were the methods of data collection.
The findings concluded that the major activities carried out by HRNJ-Uganda are; dealing
with issues affecting the profession responsively and effectively especially representing
journalists dragged to court and rescue of journalists deprived of communication and in
challenging government actions that threaten and undermine freedom of the press; and
tracking violations committed against journalists. it was also concluded that the major
challenges facing HRNJ-Uganda are; high expectations from members, shrinking donor
opportunities, delay of justice for cases, compromise by perpetrators for journalists to
withdraw cases, and insufficient funding. Lastly, the study concluded that the biggest
opportunity of HRNJ-Uganda is interest by other partners to work with the organization,
more subscriptions from journalists, increased donor support, and ratification of various
human rights instruments by government of Uganda.
The study made the following recommendations were observed; Government should quickly
investigate attacks against journalists and prosecute their attackers. All suspects who are on
committal and in prison should have their cases heard expeditiously. Reports emerging out
from investigations of murdered journalists should be made public and those involved
brought to justice.
Description
A research report submitted to the faculty of journalism and media studies in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of a Degree of Mass Communication of Kampala International University
Keywords
Civil society, Press freedom, Human rights network, Journalists-Uganda