SECTOR 3 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: 3.1 (2012 = 2.3; 2010 = 1.4; 2007 = 1.7) 3.4 The state/public broadcaster is accountable to the public through an independent board which is representative of society at large and selected in an independent, open and transparent manner. Section 7 of the Uganda Broadcasting Corporation (UBC) Act of 2005 outlines the composition of the UBC Board, stating that it should “consist of the Managing Director and not less than five and not more than seven other Directors,” each of whom are appointed for a period of four years (renewable for a second term). This section also notes that all Board Directors will be appointed by the Minister “from among prominent Ugandans of proven integrity by virtue of their qualifications, expertise and experience in the fields of broadcasting, technology, media law, business management, finance and journalism.” (Note that the Managing Director is appointed by the Board). The Minister also determines the remuneration and allowances of the Board members. A panellist highlighted that Board members receive a fee of 2 million Ugandan shillings (USD595) per sitting. The Act does not specifically speak to the independence of the Board, nor does it speak to how the Board should be representative of society at large, other than the requirement mentioned above. “It can’t be independent, when the selection is about people who will serve the status quo.” “The process is very informal, it is based on connections, and board members are chosen from a narrow enclave of people around the President. Even when consultation happens, it is very informal.” pointed out one of the panellists. “There is a national feeling of mistrust with respect to the party and office bearers. There is no public process in the sense of public vetting, and so on,” added the panellist. AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER UGANDA 2016 55