KIGEZI, SHEEMA JOURNALISTS CELEBRATE WORLD PRESS FREEDOM DAY IN HIGH GEAR

By Ambrose Kweronda
in Kabale—-

Media practitioners from Kigezi Sub Region were joined by colleagues from Sheema District to celebrate world press freedom day.

Speaking as the guest of honor yesterday, Minister for Presidency Hon Milly Babalanda commended the Kabale Media Fraternity, stating that the launched association is a milestone in the development of journalism in the Kigezi Sub-Region and Uganda.
She stated that, in line with this year’s World Press Freedom Day theme, the media in Kigezi should promote the current presidential directive to evict people from wetlands in order to conserve the environment.

Hon Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, Minister of ICT and National Guidance, urged journalists to uphold integrity and non-partisanship in their work, emphasizing the importance of collaboration with the government to fulfill their duties effectively.

Esther Kukundakwe, Chairperson of the Kabale Media Practitioners Association, emphasized the significance of World Press Freedom Day as a reminder of the fundamental principles and responsibilities of a free and independent press.

Kukundakwe also advocated for improved wages for journalists, highlighting the challenges they face in executing their profession effectively.

She called for enhanced payment for media practitioners and urged them to collaborate closely with communities, leaders, and security agencies to address pressing environmental concerns.

Sam Arineitwe the Kabale Municipality Central Division Chairperson, Robert Sempala the Executive Director for Human Rights Network for Journalists and Kabale District RDC, Godfrey Nyakahuma underscored the crucial role of journalists as advocates for environmental conservation amidst the current global crisis.

The celebrations also marked the launch of a fundraising initiative for a multimedia digital hub, aimed at enhancing media infrastructure in the region.

With a target of 200 million Ugandan Shillings, the project garnered significant support, with 16 million Shillings and 10 computers already collected in cash and pledges.

The World Press Freedom Day celebrations in Kabale served as a testament to the resilience and importance of a free press in promoting transparency, accountability, and environmental stewardship in society