AMERICANS TRAIN WESTERN UGANDA JOURNALISTS ON MEDIA FREEDOMS, RIGHTS

By Nato Comrade

in Mbarara—

A three-day training workshop for selected female and male journalists from four regions of Uganda has been opened yesterday in Mbarara. The workshop, which is organized by Uganda Media Development Foundation with funding from the United States Mission in Uganda is being held at the Accacia hotel in Mbarara town.

The organization seeks to to empower selected journalists to understand and disseminate key governance and public accountability issues. Speaking at the start of the workshop, James Kigozi Executive Director, UMDF explained that the workshop is intended to build the capacity of the media to play a watchdog role in promoting a culture of accountability and good governance through publicity in different media platforms.

Kigozi underscored the need for the media to be adequately informed in order to adequately inform the larger society. He said that such a training workshop is intended to make sure that politicians and accounting officers reduce corruption, since it cannot be eradicated completely.

Kigozi wants a vibrant media that will ensure accountability in the region as it is stipulated in the constitution under access to information. PhyllIs, the Spokeperson US embassy Uganda decried the acts of intimidation and violence against journalists in Uganda.

He said as America they are aware that in Uganda many journalists who do not toe the government line have been suspended, equipment destroyed, or badly beaten by ruling party members or security agents.

Source:www.mknewslink.com a western news website

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