Uganda: Media crackdown taskforce set up

The ad hoc committee, to be chaired by Second Deputy Prime Minister Henry Muganwa Kajura, has been tasked to explore how such media organisations, acting as a ‘mouthpiece' for the opposition, can be whipped to toe a line more favourable to the government.

They will also review the existing laws and inquire into the workings of certain sections of the media that 'incite' violence.

‘The committee is expected to report its findings and recommendations to Cabinet after a month,' a source who chose anonymity because he is not authorised to speak about the closed-door meeting, said. Another source said Kivejinja, who will address the press about resolutions of Wednesday's meeting, submitted a paper outlining strong actions on errant media houses.

To this end, the Cabinet mandated the committee to revisit the media laws and propose tougher amendments that will corner journalists, media managers and owners. At Wednesday's meeting, the laws lined out for comprehensive review included the Penal Code Act, the Access to Information Act and other electronic media laws.

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