Ntungamo,Uganda – Journalists in Ntungamo have been urged to embrace fairness and ethical standards in their profession as they marked World Press Freedom Day with prayers and other activities.
The appeal was made by Ntungamo district leaders and clerics who joined journalists to commemorate the day, which is observed globally on 3rd May each year.
This year’s World Press Freedom Day was celebrated under the theme: _Shaping a Future at Peace: Promoting Press Freedom for Human Rights, Development, and Security_.
The Bishop of South Ankole Diocese, Rt. Rev. Nathan Ahimbisibwe, first hosted journalists from different media houses at his residence on Sunday morning. The group later gathered at Trendies Hotel for a luncheon. Bishop Ahimbisibwe commended journalists for their tremendous work in shaping the community through relevant information shared via television, radio talk shows, and other media platforms.
The Bishop urged journalists to prioritize authenticity in their work rather than reporting false information. He donated Shs1 million to support the celebrations.
Ntungamo Resident District Commissioner Ms. Miriam Kagaiga, District LC5 Chairperson Samuel Mucunguzi Rwakigoba, and Ntungamo Mayor Jacob Kafureka echoed the Bishop’s message, appealing to journalists not to accept freebies that could compromise truthful reporting. They also called for integrity and transparency in the media.
However, journalists decried brutality and being undermined by security operatives while on duty.
The event, which attracted members of the press in Ntungamo, was also attended by NGO directors, including Ambrose Kyenjoga of Mawazo Endelevu Initiative and former Rushenyi County MP aspirant.
Story By: Amon Muhumuza.
