Latest news with #Ssenyonyi
Zawya
03-05-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
World Press Freedom Day marked with calls for unity and media safety
Government officials, civil society leaders, and journalists gathered on Friday at Parliament to mark World Press Freedom Day, with a unified call for stronger protections for the media. This year's global theme, 'Freedom of expression in the face of the AI Revolution' highlights not only the evolving challenges posed by technology but also the enduring struggle for press freedom and journalistic integrity. The event, organised by the Uganda Parliamentary Press Association (UPPA) with support from Parliament of Uganda attracted sharp commentary on the state of media freedom in Uganda, punctuated by both praise for democratic gains and concern over growing threats. The Government Chief Whip, Hon. Denis Hamson Obua, speaking urged journalists to reflect not only on present challenges but also on Uganda's past, where freedoms now taken for granted were once non-existent. 'Sometimes we over-concentrate on where we are without reflecting on where we have come from. We must look at Uganda beyond ourselves. Even in the face of criticism, let us acknowledge the progress. Today we can gather, speak freely, and share our views, something that was not always possible in our history,' he said. Citing the 1995 Constitution and Uganda's political evolution, Obua emphasised national unity and responsible journalism. 'In my culture, we say Notte en aye Teko—unity is strength. When you are divided, you are weakened. Let us unite and fight for a good cause,' Obua added. His remarks were followed by a more critical assessment from the Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Joel Ssenyonyi. Ssenyonyi,a former journalist, warned that press freedom in Uganda is under siege, with journalists increasingly facing intimidation and violence. He cited the recent by-election in Kawempe North where journalists were reportedly harassed and beaten while covering the vote. 'This is unacceptable in a democratic society,' he said. Ssenyonyi also criticised the Uganda Communications Commission for exerting excessive control over media content and accused authorities of selectively turning a blind eye to attacks on journalists. He further called on media owners to improve working conditions for their reporters. 'You expect a journalist to bring you a story, but you haven't given them transport or paid them in months. That's not sustainable,' he said. Despite the contrasting tones, both Ssenyonyi and Obua agreed on the central role of the media in upholding democracy, with Ssenyonyi urging journalists to remain resilient and Obua encouraging continued dialogue beyond official forums. UPPA President, Sam Ibanda Mugabi used the occasion to call for reduced internet costs and highlighted the ethical dilemmas faced by poorly paid journalists. The Chairperson of Parliament's Committee on ICT and National Guidance, Hon. Tonny Ayoo added a word of caution about the increasing overlap between journalism and political activism. He warned that blurring professional boundaries may provoke state push-back and called for journalists to remain within ethical and legal frameworks. 'It is true the media plays a vital role in shaping public discourse, but when reporting becomes a centre for political activism, the government feels provoked and begins to act,' Ayoo said. Ayoo further criticised the underfunding of key media regulatory bodies such as the Media Council and the Uganda Media Centre, arguing that this reflects a low level of state commitment to a free and responsible press. He backed ongoing efforts to lower internet costs and expand public connectivity to support media work, especially ahead of the 2026 elections. Other speakers echoed concerns about the safety and working conditions of journalists. Kira Municipality MP, Hon. Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda recalled both past and recent incidents of brutality against the press, warning that if unchecked, such behaviour could worsen during election periods. Charity Ahimbisibwe, the head of the Uganda Women Media Association called for the military to be kept away from electoral processes if journalists' safety is to be assured. Joseph Beyanga of the National Broadcasters Association emphasised the need for stronger dialogue between media houses and security agencies, stating that success in protecting journalists during past elections had been partial and ultimately deteriorated due to lack of coordination. Solomon Sserwanja, The Executive Director of the African Institute for Investigative Journalism, Solomon Sserwanja condemned the ongoing violence against journalists as a form of suppression of the fourth estate. 'We are chained and we need to break loose,' he said adding that, 'we have bigger problems than artificial intelligence'. Tororo County South MP, Hon. Geoffrey Ekanya called for deeper investment in investigative journalism, especially to monitor and hold security agencies accountable. He emphasised that only a bold, well-supported press can effectively shine a light on abuse of power. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Parliament of the Republic of Uganda.
Zawya
11-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
‘Stop funding to Inspire Africa Coffee'
The Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Joel Ssenyonyi has asked government to stop any further allocation of funds to Inspire Africa Coffee, a private entity financed by government to establish a coffee factory as a tertiary hub for last mile coffee value addition in Ntungamo District. Ssenyonyi said the financing should be halted until government comes out clearly on the terms of the partnership, which he said could not be established when he visited the factory on 24 December 2025 with other MPs on the Shadow Cabinet. 'We found that there is no Memorandum of Understanding between Government of Uganda and this entity. So the manner in which money was extended to the entity is not clear. It is wrong for tax payers' money to be spent without any clearly defined binding relationship and no documentation whatsoever,' said Ssenyonyi. He explained that although the proprietor, Nelson Tugume attempted to explain a co-investment arrangement between the parties, there was no clarity on whether this would result into a joint shareholding, a grant arrangement or a bail out. The LoP said this as he presented a report of his oversight visit to the factory at a sitting of the House chaired by the Speaker Anita Among on Tuesday, 11 February 2025. Ssenyonyi added that there are doubts on the value for money invested in the factory, cognizant that Tugume could not establish the amount government has so far injected. 'Government should explain how much money has so far been injected into this project. The cost benefit analysis of investing in this entity should be examined,' he said. He expressed concern that as long as usage of tax payers' money is shrouded in mystery, there will always be suspicion about such bailouts given that they are accessed by a few people. Ssenyonyi called for construction of a similar factory in Bugisu and central region as part of government commitment in the National Development Plan III saying that it will be difficult for farmers to transport coffee from far-flung districts across the country to Ntungamo for processing. The Opposition leader asked government to come out with a clear procedure on how private entities can get government support. 'Uganda has a lot of young and innovative entrepreneurs who only lack funding. If the government comes out clearly on the formalities, then more Ugandans could benefit as opposed to just a few,' he added. During the 2023-2024 financial year, government undertook to establish 'a Tertiary Hub for last mile Coffee Value Addition' in Ntungamo District, through the Science, Technology and Innovation Secretariat in the Office of the President, under a private partnership arrangement with the Coffee Investment Consortium Uganda (CICU) and Inspire Africa Coffee. According to Tugume the factory is expected to produce various coffee products including; Instant Coffee, Drip Coffee, Malt Coffee, Coffee energy drinks as well as beauty Cosmetics. Uganda is currently the leading coffee exporter in Africa, and the second largest coffee producer in Africa having exported 6.13 million bags in Financial Year 2023/2024 valued at US$1.14 Billion. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Parliament of the Republic of Uganda.
