Uganda
2.9

Government promotes a political and economic
environment, which allows for a diverse media landscape.

ANALYSIS:
Media legislation in its entirety suggests that government is not
seeking to promote a favourable environment for the media. Since
1995, a number of pieces of legislation like the Press and Journalist
Statute, 1995, the Electronic Media Statute, the Anti Terrorism Act
2002, Sections within the Presidential Elections Act 2005, the Parliamentary Elections Act 2005, have been passed which, in addition
to sections of the Penal Code like sedition, are all geared towards
control instead of the promotion of a diverse media landscape.
Proposals to introduce tax incentives for newspapers or to deliver
them without charge through the Post Office have been rejected.
SCORES:
Individual scores:

1, 1, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2

Average:

1.8

2.10

Private media outlets operate as efficient and
professional businesses.

ANALYSIS:
The Daily Monitor, The Weekly Observer, Red Pepper and other private print media continue to survive - an indication that they are
run efficiently and professionally. Broadcasting media, however, often lack clear structures and policies and many are run as family
businesses. Some of them charge different rates for advertisements
during election campaigns according to their political leanings; others have no rate chart at all.
African Media Barometer - Uganda 2007

17

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