Media practitioners from Kigezi Sub Region, joined by colleagues from Sheema District, came together in a unified effort to commemorate World Press Freedom Day in a vibrant event held in Kabale District. The occasion, graced by the presence of esteemed dignitaries including Minister for Presidency Hon Milly Babirye Babalanda and the Cabinet Minister for Information, Communication, and Technology, celebrated the vital role of a free press in society.
The day commenced with a spirited march band-led procession through the streets of Kabale Town, culminating in the official opening and launch of the Kabale Media Practitioners Association’s office at Beijahe Building along Kabale-Kisoro Highway. Notably, the event also saw the planting of five trees at the mayor’s gardens, aligning with this year’s World Press Freedom Day theme: “A Press for the Planet, Journalism in the Face of Environmental Crisis.”
Esther Kukundakwe, Chairperson of the Kabale Media Practitioners Association, emphasized the significance of World Press Freedom Day as a reminder of the fundamental principles and responsibilities of a free and independent press. Kukundakwe also advocated for improved wages for journalists, highlighting the challenges they face in executing their profession effectively.
Throughout the event, various speakers including Sam Arineitwe the Kabale Municipality Central Division Chairperson, Robert Sempala the Executive Director for Human Rights Network for Journalists and Kabale District RDC, Godfrey Nyakahuma underscored the crucial role of journalists as advocates for environmental conservation amidst the current global crisis. They called for enhanced payment for media practitioners and urged them to collaborate closely with communities, leaders, and security agencies to address pressing environmental concerns.
Hon Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, Minister of ICT and National Guidance, urged journalists to uphold integrity and non-partisanship in their work, emphasizing the importance of collaboration with the government to fulfill their duties effectively.
Speaking as the guest of honor, Minister for Presidency Hon Milly Babalanda commended the Kabale Media Fraternity, stating that the launched association is a milestone in the development of journalism in the Kigezi Sub-Region and Uganda at large. She emphasized that it is one of a kind in the region. Babalanda also urged the media to consistently champion government programs to ensure their effective implementation. She stated that, in line with this year’s World Press Freedom Day theme, the media in Kigezi should promote the current presidential directive to evict people from wetlands in order to conserve the environment.
The celebrations also marked the launch of a fundraising initiative for a multimedia digital hub, aimed at enhancing media infrastructure in the region. With a target of 200 million Ugandan Shillings, the project garnered significant support, with 16 million Shillings and 10 computers already collected in cash and pledges.
The World Press Freedom Day celebrations in Kabale served as a testament to the resilience and importance of a free press in promoting transparency, accountability, and environmental stewardship in society.
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