This fear deepens during elections. The period prior to the February 2016 elections was no exception as journalists were threatened, assaulted, attacked and arrested; their equipment seized their offices raided or put under siege. Just a few days prior to voting, certain social media sites were blocked by the Ugandan Communications Commission on the grounds of national security. Citizens immediately identified alternative communications platforms which they used to communicate effectively; this is something that has become more noticeable in society in recent years. Where there is pressure from government, there is pushback from citizens. Youth were visibly vociferous during this election and took to social media arenas and other platforms that provided anonymity, to speak freely on issues of concern. This could be attributed to the fact that 78 percent of Uganda’s population is under the age of 30, and this growing segment of voters are particularly concerned with the rising rate of unemployment and the lack of job opportunities. While panellists expressed concern at the clampdown on the media by state authorities, some also noted the responsibility – particularly for the media – that comes with free expression in the public space. There is a belief that while the media can demand rights, these come with responsibility, and that some journalists are violating their obligations. The breach in unethical conduct is being blamed on inexperience, lack of professionalism and inadequate structures of accountability. This lack of cohesion in the sector prevents the establishment of strong media organisations and trade unions, and makes it more difficult for audiences to place faith in the accountability of the sector itself. This is exacerbated by the lack of support for the Independent Media Council of Uganda (IMCU), a self-regulatory body which was established in 2008; instituted with a complete code of ethics and complaints procedure mechanism. IMCU is not very active, lacks strong support from the media, and its independence is seen as being compromised because at its head is a presidential advisor. The fact that IMCU is seen as a weak and ineffectual self-regulatory body makes it easier for Government to impose their statutory media council, established by Article 8 of the Press and Journalists Act of 1995. Also of concern is the manner in which unethical behaviour by some media practitioners is seen as a normal and acceptable practice. During the AMB in 2012, it was acknowledged that journalists from less established media houses were being “paid” by civil society organisations to have their issues covered; but it was not a prevailing practice at the time. However, a few years later, this “facilitation fee”, as it is now being referred to, has become the norm and for those who are out of the media sector, is 8 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER UGANDA 2016