Stakeholders Prepare to Address Impunity against Journalists at November 2 Event
Kampala, October 30, 2024 — Kampala will host a major multi-stakeholder dialogue on November 2, 2024, as part of global efforts to commemorate the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists. The event, organized by the Africa Freedom of Information Centre (AFIC) in partnership with UNESCO, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), and other partners, will bring together key stakeholders from government, law enforcement, civil society, and the media.
Under the theme “Ending Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists in Uganda,” the dialogue aims to shine a spotlight on the dangers faced by journalists in Uganda and to discuss practical solutions for ensuring their safety. Over the years, crimes against journalists—ranging from harassment and intimidation to physical violence—have largely gone unpunished, leading to a culture of impunity that threatens press freedom and the right to information.
A call to protect journalists
As the countdown to the event begins, organizers are calling on stakeholders to take decisive action. “We cannot have democracy without a free press,” says the executive director of AFIC. “Journalists in Uganda are risking their lives to tell stories that hold power to account. This dialogue will provide a platform for us to come together—government officials, security agencies, media professionals, and civil society—to explore how we can end impunity and protect those who are bringing vital information to the public.”
The dialogue will take place at [Insert Venue], where expert panels will discuss critical topics, including how to strengthen legal protections for journalists, the role of law enforcement in protecting the press, and the need for a coordinated response to crimes committed against media workers.
The urgency of the issue
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has recorded numerous cases of violence against journalists in Uganda, with most of these cases remaining unresolved. This cycle of impunity poses a grave threat to the media landscape in the country. Journalists, particularly those covering sensitive issues such as corruption, human rights violations, and political affairs, often find themselves targeted by those seeking to silence them.
In preparation for the event, stakeholders are keen to address these pressing challenges. The five-year action plan expected to emerge from the dialogue will outline specific measures to safeguard journalists and ensure accountability for crimes committed against them.
A national and global effort
This year’s event in Kampala is part of a broader global effort to address impunity for crimes against journalists. The United Nations has long recognized the importance of protecting media workers, adopting November 2 as the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists in 2013. Uganda’s participation in this global campaign highlights the country’s commitment to upholding press freedom and ensuring justice for victims of violence in the media sector.
The public, along with key sectors of society, is encouraged to join the dialogue and contribute to the development of solutions that will foster a safer environment for journalists across Uganda.
Event details
Date: November 2, 2024
Location: Kampala, Uganda
Organized by: Africa Freedom of Information Centre (AFIC), UNESCO, OHCHR, and other partnersFocus: Ending Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists in Uganda
For more information on how to participate or follow the event, visit email: [email protected] or follow the conversation on social media using the hashtag #IDEI2024
