Jinja, 22ndMay 2014; About fifty journalists from Eastern Uganda were equipped with legal knowledge after a 3-day training conducted by Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda from 19th to 21th May 2014, at Brisk Recreation Hotel in Jinja. It included journalists from the print and electronic sector.
The training aimed at equipping journalists with basic knowledge on human rights, justice and the law in Uganda. Journalists were drawn from eleven districts within the region which included; Soroti, Mbale, Bugiri,Iganga, Kamuli, Luuka, Mayuge, Kaliro, Buyende and Jinja while others came from Mukono in the Central region.
The training was the last of the five regional trainings that were conducted in Northern Uganda West Nile, Rwenzori and Greater Masaka sub-regions.
The HRNJ-Uganda National Coordinator, Robert Ssempala noted that such trainings were essential for journalists to best appreciate their working environment and be able to address key challenges faced while in the field such as the persistent violent attacks from both the State and non-state actors which range from assault, unlawful arrest and detention and trumped up charges among others have increasingly been noted.
“Having undergone this para-legal training, you are now expected to demand for your individual and collective rights in the course of your duties. You must unite and act as a team in case of abuse of your rights and freedoms, such that HRNJ-Uganda can only come in to handle complex situations. You are also supposed to demand for better working conditions through constructive engagements with your employers.” Ssempala said. He further urged the journalists to observe professional code of conduct.
The Regional Police Commander for Kiira, Twebaze Alex committed to ensure the safety of journalists as they perform their duties given the critical role played by both the media and police. “I want to pledge that police will always cooperate with you to ensure your safety because you are our partners, very serious stakeholders, and therefore we respect you a lot.” Tewbaze said in his opening address.
The Jinja training marked the end of the regional trainings which will culminate into a national dialogue due to take place in Kampala in June 2014.
For More Information Contact;
Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda (HRNJ-Uganda)
Plot 18, Block 12 Stensera Road Kayanja Triangle Zone
P.O.BOX. 71314 Clock Tower Kampala. Tel: +256-414-272934 / +256-414-667627
E-mail: [email protected] / [email protected] / Website: www.hrnjuganda.org; BLOG: http://hrnjuganda.blogpost.com
