Oguttu accuses UCC, minister of intimidating journalists

In Summary

Mr Oguttu said since UCC claims that the media has acted unprofessionally by reporting on the comments made by Gen David Sejusa, it should name the individuals who should be reported on and why.

The Member of Parliament for Bukhooli Central, Mr Wafula Oguttu, yesterday said Minister of Information Mary Karooro Okurut is behind a scheme to force journalists to disclose their sources of information, which would be unconstitutional.

If this were allowed, Mr Oguttu said, it would jeopardise journalists’ ability to get information.

“The government should stop doing despicable things such as forcing journalists to disclose their sources of information. This is being led by one of our very own, Mary Karooro Okurut,” said Mr Oguttu.
“She is familiar with the media. If journalists went on revealing all their sources, there would be no media because people would then fear to talk to the media.”

But Ms Karooro responded: “He is entitled to his opinion.”
A veteran journalist himself, Mr Oguttu told a press briefing at Parliament that only the courts of law, not the police, could compel journalists to disclose the source of information.

He also criticised the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) for trying to guide the media on what to report about and how.

Mr Oguttu said since UCC claims that the media has acted unprofessionally by reporting on the comments made by Gen David Sejusa, it should name the individuals who should be reported on and why.

“The government should stop intimidating media practitioners. Let the UCC tell the media the names of individuals who must be reported on or quoted, and for what reasons.”