The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
Jinja, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The National Coalition of Human Rights Defenders (NCHRD)-Uganda, in collaboration with journalists, has launched a media campaign to address specific challenges faced by journalists in Uganda. The campaign aims to tackle four key issues identified during a three-day needs assessment workshop organized by NCHRD-U in Jinja City this week: sexual harassment, risky working environments, the impacts of digital transformation, and access to information.
Pious Nsajja, Communications Officer at NCHRD-Uganda, explained that the campaign will help journalists, particularly those within the NCHRD-U cluster, to overcome these challenges through empowerment, advocacy for policy reforms, and public awareness initiatives. He highlighted that while journalists have been at the forefront of advocating for others’ rights, they have faced numerous work-related challenges without adequate solutions.
Nsajja added that the coalition will support journalists by publishing campaign materials, developing key messages, and designing talk show points. This collaboration reflects the growing trend of cross-field cooperation, with NCHRD-U committed to standing in solidarity with human rights defenders and advancing human rights causes in Uganda.
Javer Silas, a journalist with New Vision from the Sebei region, emphasized that journalists should not be passive bystanders but actively address their challenges using all available platforms.
Rehema Kantono, a communications expert, stressed the importance of solidarity among journalists to support a campaign aimed at addressing their day-to-day work challenges. She noted that evolving legal changes regarding human rights impact how journalists report these issues.
Evelyne Abo, a media viability consultant from the Bukedi region, pointed out that this campaign is timely as human rights defenders face numerous challenges, including threats and violence from authorities. She emphasized that a free and independent media is crucial for the promotion of all other rights.
Saimon Bikeke, Coordinator of the Umbrella for Journalists in Kasese, noted that Uganda’s civic space is shrinking, particularly during election periods when journalists often face suppression. He expressed commitment to working with NCHRD-U to ensure the campaign’s success.
“There are many issues affecting journalists, but the four identified stand out in current times, and we are strongly committed to partnering with anyone supporting our free space,” Bikeke said.
Nsajja announced that the coalition is open to receiving human rights reports through their 24/7 hotline: 0763565154. The year-long campaign is set to begin in August.
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