Journalists Partner With Lawyers to Take On Non-Paying Employers
A section of journalists in Uganda has announced a partnership that is hoped to enhance the fight for press freedom, better working environment as well as the health and safety of journalists in the country.
Led by Abubaker Lubowa, Gabriel Buule from Daily Monitor and Culton Scovia Nakamya from BBS TV, these journalists while addressing colleagues in Kampala, said that they have managed to secure immediate help, “for all of us to enjoy the profession,”
“We have partnered with a number of lawyers who will help us in suing employers who don’t pay, suing officers who brutalize us, and some doctors from hospitals who will be giving us medical treatment at a subsidized price especially for those who get injuries in the line of duty,” Lubowa said.
“It’s a pity that some of the employers especially church owned media houses have deliberately refused to pay reporters. You find a reputable pastor telling a reporter that their salary has been given to God. This is unacceptable, journalists are not Church ushers, we shall deal with you in Court.”
These were speaking at a press conference as part of the celebration to mark the World Press Freedom Day (WPFD) under the theme: Journalism Under Digital Siege.
WPFD they said is celebrated to ensure the protection and safety of the press in the face of attacks against its independence, to discuss journalistic ethics and to celebrate journalists who gave their lives in the pursuit of truth.
“As we commemorate the 2022 World Press Freedom Day, independent members of the press in Uganda who advocate for Press Freedom have come together to call stakeholders and Ugandans to protect journalism and journalists at a time when the future of Journalism feels uncertain. The safety of journalists in Uganda is continuing to be at stake with many journalists getting subjected to intimidation and violence by security forces and politically connected persons,” Lubowa said
“We sadly inform the public that as we continue to advocate for our freedom, a section of our members are deprived of their right remuneration or earnings.”
The 2006 Employment Act requires an employer to make timely payment of remuneration to the employees.
Speaking at the conference, Buule said that they have partnered with some lawyers including; Isaac Ssemakadde, Nabuguzo Kiwanuka, Milly Kikomeko among others who will be offering free legal services to Journalists.
“We call upon all journalists to ask their employers to subject them to clear and fair contracts. We will also continue to sue, name and shame the perpetrators.
We also ask security organs, politician and individuals to stop subjecting journalists to Violence,” he said.
In line with the theme; “Journalism under digital siege” Nakamya, called on Government to reopen Facebook which is a viable source of information for journalists in the digital age.
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