SECTOR 2

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:

3.6 (2012 = 3.8; 2010 = 2.2; 2007 = n/a)

2.8 All media fairly represent the voices of society and
its minorities in its ethnic, linguistic, religious diversity.
Not all voices in society are fairly represented.
Some minority ethnic groups are marginalised, and only “come out in a feature
story once in a blue moon. They are hounded out of their natural habitat, for
example the Ik people from the forests; and their voices are only heard when
there’s been a disaster.”
Additionally, although there appear to be attempts to cover all ethnic groups,
some minority groups are stereotyped in reportage about them. “For example,
when a Karimojong man was convicted of murder, the media made a point of
stating his ethnicity rather than simply stating his name. You wouldn’t see that
with a different ethnic group. There is a condescending attitude towards them
that also shows up in the press.”
This attitude is not only seen in dealing with ethnic minorities, but also with some
religious groups. “With TV, we had an issue with Bukedde, and complained that
whenever a Muslim person does something, they would highlight his/her religion
and give a negative tone to that. However, they can also be commended for
their Friday session for Islamic content. On the whole though, only 2% the entire
media landscape cover Muslim community issues with special programmes,”
pointed out one of the panellists.
Sexual minorities are not fairly represented in the media. “Sometimes we hear of
them in terms of their struggles with the law, but no media is finding what the
issues are regarding their existence, except when Red Pepper outed them.”
New Vision’s editorial policy specifically prohibits the media house from discussing
and/or offering a platform for voices either for or against the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual,

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AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER UGANDA 2016

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