| Our Ref: Date: 16- 04-2021 Re: UJA Distances It’s Self From UPDF/Media Event. We as Uganda Journalists Association (UJA), surprised by the public messages making rounds on different social media platforms suggesting that there is “a Media”/UPDF Event to be Celebrated on 16th/04/2021. UJA notes this with serious concerns, reservations and we address our members and the public as follows: 1:That UJA was contacted by the Deputy spokesperson of the UPDF on the same issue but we noticed that their intention was to attempt to repair damaged public relations with journalists/media, instead of holding sincere discussions on how to end the continued violations of press freedom, brutality, torture etc against our Members. Security agencies have been ranked as top violators of rights by many Press index reports, therefore the forces to invite journalists allegedly for food,transport refund, football matches instead of resolving issues is a hoodwink and an attempt to divert us from serious discussion of grave human rights violation of journalists. 2:That the USE of the word “Media”is calculated and intentional… 3:That this alleged Media Campaign being championed by National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) and NGO’s instead of Journalists or their Associations, speak volumes about the move and the intentions. For example, we have never seen a CEO of a Media house or of any NGO battered while covering an event despite being critical partners. We however respect the decision of some of media practitioners to attend for their personal ambitions. 4:UJA doors are open to genuine discussions to resolve disputes . 5:That UJA is committed to use all lawful means to advocate and defend the rights of its members at any cost . We accordingly remind our members that the UJA case against UPDF is coming up for hearing on 22/may /2021. We retaliate our humble demand for respect for human rights and press freedom. For God and my country Mathias Rukundo President UJA 0700500767 “The pen is mightier than sword” |
Press Release: UJA Distances It’s Self From UPDF/Media Event.
