Role of the media in promoting democracy and human rights in Uganda: a case study of Daily Monitor Newspaper
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Date
2008-08
Authors
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Publisher
Kampala International University.College of Humanities and social science
Abstract
strong democratic society will be marked by respect for human rights which includes
freedom of press, right to vote and be elected at genuine and periodic elections, freedom
of assembly and association, good governance among others. This study was therefore
carried out to determine the role of the media in promoting democracy and human rights
in Uganda.
The study used cross-sectional design due to limited time of study. It took a quantitative
approach because it involved use of structured questions to collect data which was in
form of numbers and statistics. It covered Kampala city and the target population was 50
respondents selected through simple random sampling.
Structured interview was used to collect data using an interview schedule as the research
instrument. Data was analyzed by editing, coding, and tabulation.
The findings revealed that the media can promote democracy and human rights through
civic education, advocacy, surveillance and lobbying Parliament to change or remove
laws affecting the media.
It was further revealed that politics in Uganda are marred with voter bribery, intimidation
and violence, harassment of the opposition and control of the Electoral Commission by
the ruling government.
Findings also revealed that, the government heavily interferes with the media's role of
promoting democracy and human rights by invoking draconian laws such as sedition,
false news, and through closure of critical media houses and arrest of vocal journalists.
Findings revealed that the media has played a big role in exposing corruption and
scandals in public offices.
These findings imply that despite the milestones the media have made in Uganda, the
political atmosphere is still harsh and freedom of press is still a pipe dream. Findings will
be used by Government as a starting point in reviewing all bad laws and drafting policy
that will see improvement of democracy and human rights in Uganda.
Description
Dissertation submitted to the Faculty of Social Sciences in partial fulfilment for the award of bachelors degree in Mass Communication of Kampala International University
Keywords
Media, Promoting, Democracy, Human rights