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: 3.5 (2012 = 4.4; 2010 = 2.5; 2007 = 2.4) 1.11 Media legislation evolves from meaningful consultations among state institutions, citizens and interest groups. “There’s a culture of using the word ‘consultation’ but for different reasons and interests. At face value, there is consultation, but this consultation is not meaningful.” There have been several instances where government held consultations and CSOs participated in them and provided their input, but when the legislation came out, it is clear that that input was not considered or respected. Noting that one-on-one engagements with government often proved more effective as they are less combative or threatening, a panellist argued that, “CSOs have to find both formal and informal ways of influencing in a deep way…we need to have leverage, we need to be more savvy, streetwise and articulate. We need to find more innovative ways of engaging.” It also applies to policy issues. The Government of Uganda is cleverer than civil society. We are still not at that level of knowing how to navigate effectively.” “If you can prove that you have leverage, then you can influence.” In this vein, panellists agreed that ACORD had done well – as could be seen from consultations on the NGO Act, but there is still much to be done in having the views expressed during consultations taken more seriously. In order to get civil society ideas into the NGO Amendment Act of 2013, “the strategy was to shift from being combative to engaging in constructive engagement. This included one-on-one consultations with the responsible ministry; and small strategic meetings with key technocrats to provide the necessary mileage and make the consultation more meaningful.” 28 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER UGANDA 2016