Uganda
AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER UGANDA 2007
Sector 1:
1.1

Freedom of expression, including freedom of the
media, are effectively protected and promoted.

Freedom of expression, including freedom of the media, is
guaranteed in the constitution and protected by other
pieces of legislation.

ANALYSIS:
Freedom of expression and the media is guaranteed in the 1995
Constitution of Uganda. Article 29 (1) (a) states:
Every person shall have the right to freedom of speech and expression, which shall include freedom of the press and other media.
Article 43 (1) stipulates a general limitation on the fundamental and
human rights guaranteed by the constitution. It says:
In the enjoyment of the rights and freedoms prescribed in this
Chapter [on fundamental rights] no person shall prejudice the fundamental or other human rights and freedom of others or the public
interest.
Section 43 2 (c) sets the test for the legitimacy of any limitation on
rights and freedoms that might prejudice the public interest that by
saying that this shall not permit
any limitation of the enjoyment of the rights and freedoms prescribed by this Chapter beyond what is acceptable and demonstrably justifiable in a free and democratic society, or what is provided
in this Constitution.
Although it is clear from this provision that freedom of expression
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African Media Barometer - Uganda 2007

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