KAMPALA – The Speaker of Parliament, Ms. Rebecca Kadaga on Friday commended journalists for the good work they do in a bid to contribute to the country’s development.
“You are the voices. Not everybody has the opportunity to sit in the gallery and hear the different deliberations and issues that affect them. Continue to bring out issues of accountability to help supplement on their voices,” Kadaga said.
She was speaking during the swearing-in ceremony of the incoming new executive of Uganda Parliamentary Press Association (UPPA) on Friday at Parliament, adding that it’s because of the same work why voters from constituencies and world at large are able to know the contribution of members of parliament.
Kadaga commended some media owners for giving legislators an opportunity to speak to the voters because many of the legislators are shinning and several of them have become people of great importance and articulating for the country on many issues of national importance.
She, however, reminded journalists of their obligations among them; bringing out issues of accountability, report balanced information, avoid attacks on individuals and deal with real issues that affect the population to remain happy.
“Help us to educate the public about government programs because you appeal to many voices because we have not done enough in this area. Because the development of the people in the development of a country, “she noted.
Dr James Nsaba Buturo a former Ethics Minister, asked media proprietors in Uganda to be mindful of the welfare of the journalists they employ saying that many of them are more interested in making profits and when it comes to paying them, they give them fewer salaries which can’t sustain the journalists yet many have families.
Francis Mwijukye MP for Buhwejju, lauded the UPPA, for creating a conducive environment to allow peaceful handover of power and the praised the outgoing executive for accepting defeat and this is a precedence that should be emulated by other leaders.
Moses Mulondo from New Vision was sworn in as the new President, Rachel Nakasi of Bukedde TV as vice president, Herbert Ziwa of NTV as Secretary General, Charles Mugerwa as chief whip, Paul Kiwuwa of New Vision for Print, Godfrey Ssali of Radio Akaboozi for Radio, Rose Nasigwa as Welfare among others.
