SECTOR 1 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: 3.3 (2012 = 2.4; 2010 = 2.9; 2007 = n/a) 1.10 Civil society in general and media lobby groups actively advance the cause of media freedom. There are a handful of civil society and media lobby groups that advance the cause of media freedom. However, civil society groups tend to focus more specifically on their special issues and are more sectorial in their approach; while media lobby groups are “fragmented and not very committed.” “Civil society is a large animal, and most groups tend to work in silos depending on their mandate and what they’re being funded for.” “Most only see media as an opportunity for coverage, and are not advocating for media rights.” But there are media lobby groups that are actively involved and have a lot of space to engage. “The question is whether they are being listened to.” The Advocates Coalition for Development and Environment (ACODE), continues to be active in pushing for media freedom, and carried out various initiatives to impact legislation on Access to Information; including sponsoring the private members bill alongside other civil society organisations (CSOs). Human Rights Watch has also been active in defending the rights and freedoms of media practitioners; and other media lobby groups are engaged in this regard. AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER UGANDA 2016 27