Journalists in Uganda have requested responsible government officials to help deal with media owners who do not want to pay their salaries.
The submissions were made by media practitioners who spoke emotionally about the small monies they are paid in form of salaries, while others said they do not receive even the small salaries promised to them.
They were speaking during a ceremony to mark World Press Freedom Day Wednesday, They spoke about poor working conditions, lack of pay, and suppression of media freedoms by government security agencies.
According to reports, several journalists in the country work without contracts, while others receive meager payments of half a dollar per story as freelance reporters.
Under their umbrella body Uganda Journalists Association (UJA), the group gathered at their offices in Kawempe to discuss the challenges they face.
The Religious Affairs Secretary at the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council, Sheikh Imran Abdnoor Ssali emphasized that freedom of the press is crucial for a civilized society and democracy.
He, however, cautioned journalists to adhere to professional values, avoid encroaching on people's privacy, and not promote hate speech that can damage the reputation of media houses.
The chairperson of the parliamentary forum committee on Media, Teddy Nambooze expressed concern about several cases of non-payment and assault on journalists by security personnel. She pledged to address these issues with the authorities.
Meanwhile, Rev. Father Charles Kimbowa from Jinja Karoli Parish in Kawempe called upon journalists to reflect on the impact of their stories before publishing them to avoid violating the professional code of journalism.
The president of UJA Mathius Rukundo, stressed the need for journalists to have proper qualifications and conduct themselves professionally to avoid clashes with security personnel.
He also called on all journalists to unite and fight for their freedom.
This year’s theme for World Press Freedom Day is "Shaping a Future of Rights: Freedom of Expression as a Driver for All Other Human Rights."
