Press Freedom Dialogue 2024: A Step In the Right Direction Towards Addressing Legal Challenges in Journalism
By; Dara Precious
On Thursday, May 9th, 2024, the MCI Media Hub was abuzz with dynamic discussions as more different persons from the journalism, media, and legal sectors convened for the highly anticipated Press Freedom Dialogue. Organised by Nalaw Foundation in collaboration with key partners namely; Legal AI Africa , Media Challenge Initiative. The event lived up to its promise, offering a vital platform to address the intricate legal challenges that continue to impact the media industry.
In her opening remarks,Ms. Kekimuri Sarah welcomed the participants to the dialogue and thanked the partners for making the dialogue a reality. She added that Nalaw Foundation is committed to making the dialogues and other platforms available and more regular emphasising that the organisation is convinced to that the dialogue is a step in the right direction towards addressing legal challenges faced by journalists in Uganda.
With the theme “Navigating Legal Challenges in Journalism and Media,” the dialogue underscored the crucial intersection between media and law, highlighting the pivotal roles these sectors play in community transformation and advancement. Attendees engaged in robust conversations, delving deep into the legal complexities that media professionals face as they strive to fulfil their mandate to inform, educate, and empower society.
A major focus of the event was the simplification of current legal policy frameworks, particularly in relation to their interpretation and the ramifications for media practices. Experts from both the legal and media fields provided invaluable insights into navigating these challenges while continuing to champion a free, transparent, and effective media sector.
In his keynote Mr. Ssemambo Rashid of Ssemambo and Ssemambo Advocates emphasised the importance for journalists to present factual information without adding personal opinions and personal ideologies.
Mr.Mpindi Abaas, the CEO at Media Challenge Initiative advised media practitioners to intentionally take time to know the laws and highlighted the need to safeguard particularly journalists and was excited the dialogue offered a platform for legal experts to offer insights on how journalists can use the law to thrive as citizens beyond journalism.
Different members in the media sector seemed to agree in their submissions during the dialogue that there are issues with enforcement of the law, citing ignorance and extremism among those mandated to enforce the law while others maintained the complexities of the law, the “slow” wheels of justice and the expenses, terming access to justice as expensive.
During the dialogue, journalists revealed intimidation, damage to property and bodily harm as areas of concern in regards to violation of human rights and tasked the Justice, law and order sector to recognise journalists as valuable partners in community building.
Mr.Ssensalo Kasim Wasswa, an advocate, advised associations of journalists to advocate for better practices from all stakeholders especially the welfare of journalists including vital issues such as insurance cover for journalists but equally reminded media practitioners that laws don’t operate in a vacuum and that” they are citizens before being journalists.”
During the panel discussion moderated by Ms. Nabuguzi Kiwanuka of the HTNK podcast, Mr. Namara Collins Rutayisire an advocate with Ssemambo and Ssemambo Advocates tasked journalists and media practitioners to legally aware and informed by read extensively as this will facilitate their understanding and coverage of the legal proceedings and events and foster dissemination of the law to the citizens.
The dialogue featured a series of thought-provoking panel discussions on critical topics, including:
Copyright and Fair Use in Media Reporting and Content Publishing
Protection of Sources
Privacy Laws and Investigative Journalism
Risk Management for Journalists
These topics sparked lively debates, with attendees sharing their experiences and offering practical strategies for overcoming the legal obstacles that often hinder journalistic endeavours. The discussions were expertly moderated by a seasoned lawyer and proactive media contributor, whose dual expertise in both sectors added a unique depth to the conversation.
While reflecting on the event’s success, participants lauded the Press Freedom Dialogue 2024 as an essential forum for fostering collaboration among stakeholders. The exchange of ideas was not only enlightening but also served as a powerful reminder of the shared responsibility to uphold media freedom and ensure a legally sound environment for journalists.
As the dialogue concluded, there was a renewed commitment among attendees to continue working together in support of the media’s role as a pillar of democracy and a vehicle for social change. The event’s impact is expected to resonate far beyond the walls of the MCI Media Hub, influencing future efforts to protect and promote press freedom in the face of evolving legal challenges.
The Press Freedom Dialogue 2024 has set a high standard for future conversations on this critical issue and many others to come, leaving participants inspired and equipped with the knowledge to navigate the complex legal landscape that defines today’s media industry.
