SECTOR 2 “At The Daily Monitor we have tried to provide a platform for marginalised groups. But sexual minorities will only express themselves in environments they feel safe. The problem is, because of the environment, many marginalised groups do not feel very comfortable bringing themselves forth to the media. I have attended many human rights conferences where I have heard the views of sexual minorities, but I have been asked not to publish these because people fear they will be arrested.” Turning to political diversity, panellists said that the licensing of electronic media has favoured those aligned to the ruling party and active politicians, even though the Draft National Broadcasting policy seems to discourage this. Members of the opposition do not own anywhere as many media outlets as supporters of the regime. “The opposition has been denied a voice, particularly during the election period. The leader of the opposition paid for airtime, but arrived at the studio and was told he could not go on air. I wonder how it is going to play out in the next four years where there is even opposition within the ruling party?” Scores: Individual scores: 1 Country does not meet indicator 2 Country meets only a few aspects of indicator 3 Country meets some aspects of indicator 4 Country meets most aspects of indicator 5 Country meets all aspects of the indicator Average score: 2.8 (2010: 2.5; 2007: n/a) 2.9 The country has a coherent ICT policy or the government implements promotional measures, which aim to meet the information needs of all citizens, including marginalised communities. Uganda tends to have good policies “but the practice does not live up to them”. The development of ICTs is one of the primary objectives of the National Development Plan launched in 2010. The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has tried to set up telecentres in areas ostensibly underserved by the telecommunications companies. But some panellists felt these were in places AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER UGANDA 2012 39