Latest news with #UPPA
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.
Yahoo
16-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Bring home the bacon: 35k pounds of pork donated to Utah Food Bank
SALT LAKE CITY () — The Utah Food Bank just received 35,000 pounds of pork — the equivalent of 140,000 servings, to help those facing food insecurity. This is all thanks to a donation by the Utah Pork Producers Association (UPPA), in partnership with Daily's Premium Meats. Members of UPPA, as well as football players from Brigham Young University, Utah State University, and Southern Utah University, delivered the donation on Wednesday, April 16. 'With this donation, Utah pork farmers aim to offer a meal and a sense of hope to those who need it most,' said Jim Webb, UPPA president-elect. 'We are grateful for the work Utah Food Bank puts in every day to ensure no Utahns go hungry, and are proud to be able to support their efforts through this donation. Thank you to our partners at Daily's Premium Meats for helping to make this happen.' More than 320k Utahns sign referendum to appeal labor union bill, double the required amount The UPPA has worked to consistently offer support to the Utah Food Bank, last year also donating 35,000 pounds of pork. Over the last six years, UPPA said they have donated a total of 210,000 pounds of meat, which is equal to 840,000 servings. According to the Utah Food Bank website, 415,000 individuals in Utah, or 1 in 8, are facing food insecurity, and for kids, that number is 1 in 6. The non-profit reported that last year, with donations and support from the community, they were able to distribute 65.5 million pounds of food, or 54.6 million meals, to those facing food insecurity. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
South China Morning Post
03-04-2025
- Entertainment
- South China Morning Post
Who is Macaulay Culkin's estranged father Kit Culkin? The Home Alone star reiterated claims his dad was ‘narcissistic' and ‘abusive' in the latest episode of Kate and Oliver Hudson's podcast
It's no secret that Home Alone star Macaulay Culkin had a complicated upbringing – now he's going further in describing his notoriously rocky relationship with his father, Christopher 'Kit' Culkin. 'One of my earliest memories of him was [thinking], 'When I grow up, this is how I'm not gonna be with my kids,' he explained during an appearance on Kate Hudson and Oliver Hudson's podcast, Sibling Revelry, earlier this week. Culkin, now 44, shares two young children with his partner Brenda Song Macaulay Culkin and Brenda Song at a ceremony honouring him with a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2023. Advertisement 'Now that I have kids of my own, it's like, you know, it kicks up some dust,' he said, adding: 'I kinda go, you know, like, I can't believe he was like that. He had all these lovely kids. It's crazy.' He noted that he hasn't been in touch with his father for three decades. 'Oh, he deserves it too. Yeah. He's a man who, he had seven kids, and now he has four grandkids … and none of them want anything to do with him,' he added, reiterating previous claims that his father was 'abusive' and narcissistic'. It's not the first time Culkin has talked about his dad. Back in 2018, during an appearance on Marc Maron's WTF podcast, Culkin described his estranged father as 'mentally and physically' abusive, and 'jealous' of him. Here's what we know about Kit Culkin and where he is today. What is Kit Culkin's background? Actors Kieran and Macaulay Culkin with their parents Kit Culkin and Patricia Brentrup in 1990. Photo: UPPA Born in New York City on December 6, 1944, Kit is one of four siblings, per People magazine. His father worked in public relations, while his mother was a writer and book reviewer. Kit's sister, Bonnie Bedelia, is a successful actress who has appeared in films including Die Hard and Presumed Innocent. What did Kit Culkin do for work?
