SECTOR 3 3.6 The editorial independence of the state/public broadcaster from political influence is guaranteed by law and practiced. Article 22 of the UBC Act states that “the Board shall in particular, have as its editorial policy to: (a) establish effective machinery for a wide coverage of events all-over the world and Uganda in particular; (b) voice public opinion and criticism of a given public policy in a fair and objective manner; (c) uphold the integrity of the Republic of Uganda and promote harmonious relationships among its people, its neighbours and the world at large; (d) collect, process, analyse and propagate news and comment truthfully, honestly, and fairly without jeopardizing peace and harmony in the country; (e) respect and uphold the sovereignty and unity of Uganda and to come out firmly on the side of Uganda in matters affecting such sovereignty and unity without affecting the truth, which must at all times be the guiding line and governing principle of the television and radio services; (f) ensure that the Corporation does not broadcast any material, which is indecent, obscene or offensive to public morals religious convictions or is likely to prejudice the safety of the State or public order between sections of the population; (g) ensure that the Corporation’s broadcasting is in line with the code of conduct prescribed by the Broadcasting Council.” “One of the main reasons why the Board was suspended was the UBC’s apparent apathy towards the government”, said a panellist. “The UBC broadcast live pictures of the riots that took place in September 2009, and the station’s Managing Editor was dismissed.” At the beginning of 2011, the UBC was stopped from showing coverage of the uprisings that were taking place in parts of the Arab world, panellists said. Meanwhile, during the run-up to the national elections held in February 2011, the UBC invited the president of one of the small opposition parties onto one of its shows. This led to the dismissal the station’s news editor. “The UBC tried to balance political news, but the minister gave instructions that the opposition should not be covered. When the Commonwealth (election) observer mission complained about bias, the news editor was made the scapegoat.” The UBC has tried in the past to provide balanced coverage. “It is like jogging on a treadmill. You put in a lot of work but you don’t get anywhere.” AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER UGANDA 2012 49