A6146c52d531498c4586cf234a44c980720f177fTHE ROLE OF CIVIL SOCIETY TOWARDS PROMOTION OF PRESS FREEDOM; A CASE STUDY OF HUMAN RIGHTS NETWORK FOR JOURNALISTS-UGANDA

ABSTRACT

The study the role of civil society towards promoting press freedom in Uganda using a case

study of Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda (HRNJ). It was guided by three

objectives that is; to examine the role played by civil society towards promotion of press

freedom in Uganda, to identify the challenges faced by civil society while conducting its

activities and to identify opportunities in terms of advancement of the civil society work.. The

study adopted a descriptive research design applying both qualitative and quantitative

research approaches. A total of 30 respondents participated in the study and these included

journalists and HRNJ-Uganda staff. Self-administered questionnaires and key informant

interviews were the methods of data collection.

The findings concluded that the major activities carried out by HRNJ-Uganda are; dealing

with issues affecting the profession responsively and effectively especially representing

journalists dragged to court and rescue of journalists deprived of communication and in

challenging government actions that threaten and undermine freedom of the press; and

tracking violations committed against journalists. it was also concluded that the major

challenges facing HRNJ-Uganda are; high expectations from members, shrinking donor

opportunities, delay of justice for cases, compromise by perpetrators for journalists to

withdraw cases, and insufficient funding. Lastly, the study concluded that the biggest

opportunity of HRNJ-Uganda is interest by other partners to work with the organization,

more subscriptions from journalists, increased donor support, and ratification of various

human rights instruments by government of Uganda.

The study made the following recommendations were observed; Government should quickly

investigate attacks against journalists and prosecute their attackers. All suspects who are on

committal and in prison should have their cases heard expeditiously. Reports emerging out

from investigations of murdered journalists should be made public and those involved

brought to justice.

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