MEDIA
The media is an essential element of modern society because it’s through a free media that the organs of the state i.e. the executive, the legislature and the judiciary can be subjected to scrutiny. It is because of this scrutiny that they become responsive to society for which they are established.
The media being a watchdog function for the public it promotes democratization, accountability and good governance among other positive and patriotic values. The media being part of society has also a big responsibility to it. This is particularly important in a country like Uganda where on one hand freedom of the press is guaranteed by the national Constitution and on the other hand the democratization process is fragile and in its infancy. This is more so as the country transitions into a multi-party political system.
Uganda Media Council
The Uganda Media Council was established by the Press and Journalist Act of 1995 and is charged with the regulation of the Mass Media. The objective of the Law is to ensure the freedom of the press and to establish to regulate the mass media and arbitrate any disputes within or related to the industry.
Under article 10 (1) of the Press and Journalist Act 1995 Cap 105, the Council has the following functions:-
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To regulate the conduct and promote good ethical standards and discipline of journalists.
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To arbitrate disputes between the public and the media; and the State and the media.
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To exercise disciplinary control over journalist, editors and publishers.
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To promote generally the flow of information.
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To censor films, videotapes plays and other related apparatuses for public consumption.
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To exercise any function that may be authorized or required by law.
The council is further empowered to accredit foreign journalists who intend to carry out any act of journalism in Uganda.
The Media Council works hand in hand with Media Centre on matters of accreditation of foreign journalists. This therefore means that accreditation forms can be acquired from either Media Council or Media Centre offices. There is however no harm if the journalists use either the Media Centre or the Media Council as their first point of contact.
Accreditation Procedure
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A letter from an employer to the Secretary Media Council stating the purpose of visit.
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Two-passport size photographs. Can be attached physically or electronically.
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Form G is filled stating the particulars of the applicant (see contact below for Forms)
Media Council Contact Details
Postal Building 11th Floor Rm. 20
Clement Hill Road
P.O. Box 23780Kampala
Email: secretary@mediacouncil.ug Website: www.mediacouncil.ug
UGANDA MEDIA CENTRE
The Uganda Media Centre through positive interaction with the print and electronic media distributes various forms of government information originating from different departments. The goal is to have a centralized location where all official government correspondence and information can be easily accessed.
Further, the Uganda Media Centre assists the Uganda Media Council in the accreditation of foreign journalists in Uganda. The Centre assists in the research of journalist’s accreditation from various foreign countries and makes recommendations to the Uganda Media Council.
Media Centre Contact Details:
Office of the President
Uganda Media Centre
36 Clement Hill Rd.
P.O. Box 2665,
Kampala
Tel: 256-41-237-141/2
Tel: 256-312-261-525
Fax: 256-41-237-057
Email: mediacentre@mediacentre.go.ug