Gideon Tumwijukye | Tayari News
KABALE- Journalists in Kabale District have intensified calls for the establishment of a minimum wage, greater media independence, and stronger legal protections to safeguard them while carrying out their professional duties.
The demands come on the eve of World Press Freedom Day, marked annually on May 3, a day set aside to raise global awareness on the importance of press freedom, media safety, and the protection of journalists. This year’s celebrations will be held under the theme “Shaping a Future at Peace.”
Job Namanya Apuuli, a journalist with Tayari Media, emphasized that true press freedom cannot be achieved without financial stability among media practitioners.
“Press freedom should begin with financial freedom,” Namanya said. “Many journalists are working for little or no pay, which exposes them to manipulation and exploitation. A journalist with a degree should not earn less than one million Uganda shillings.”
He added that the lack of structured pay leaves journalists vulnerable to external influence, undermining their independence and professionalism.
Namanya also highlighted the need for job security, noting that many journalists, particularly those in private media houses, operate without formal employment contracts.
“It is very difficult to speak truth to power when you don’t even have job security,” he explained. “Media owners must ensure that journalists are given contracts so they can work without fear of losing their jobs.”
Meanwhile, Lukia Nantaba, the Kigezi Regional correspondent for Next Media, expressed concern over the shrinking space for press freedom, saying journalists are increasingly unable to freely express themselves despite their critical role in informing the public.
“Journalists are supposed to inform, educate, and hold leaders accountable, but in reality, many of us are not free,” Nantaba said. “When you cover stories involving corruption, you become a target.”
She described journalism as a high-risk profession, noting that powerful individuals often use intimidation and impunity to silence reporters, even when they have credible evidence.
“You can have all the facts, all the documents, but those involved use their power to frustrate and suppress the story,” she added. “That is why we need strong laws to protect journalists.”
Nantaba called on Parliament to enact and enforce legislation that guarantees the safety and security of journalists, stressing that reporting should not be treated as a crime.
“Being a journalist is not a crime,” she said. “We need laws that protect us, not systems that intimidate us.”
She also encouraged more women to join the journalism profession, especially in field reporting, where female representation remains low.
“We need more women in the field. Our voices matter, and we bring a different perspective to storytelling,” Nantaba noted.
Jane Elizabeth Umutangana, a journalist with Kigezi Television, echoed similar concerns, pointing out that press freedom is often undermined by political interference.
“Press freedom is limited because of political pressure,” Umutangana said. “In many cases, media owners have close ties with politicians, which affects how stories are handled.”
She further criticized the conduct of some security agencies, accusing them of violating journalists’ rights instead of offering protection.
“It is unfortunate that security forces, who should protect us, sometimes turn against us,” she said. “There have been cases where journalists are beaten while covering events. This must stop.”
Umutangana urged authorities to respect the role of journalists and create an enabling environment where media practitioners can operate freely, safely, and without fear.
“As we mark World Press Freedom Day, there is a need for all stakeholders to reflect on the challenges journalists face and take concrete steps to address them,” she added.