Factors Influencing Journalism In Uganda: A Case Study Of Selected Media Houses In Kampala Central Division.

ABSTRACT

The study was set to assess the factors influencing journalism in Uganda, a case study of selected journalism houses in Kampala central division, Kampala capital city authority. It was guided by three research objectives which included assessing the challenges faced by journalists in Kampala central division, effect of politics on journalism in Kampala central division and establish measures that can be adopted to improve the journalism industry in Kampala central division. The researcher adopted a quantitative approach to quantify incidences on the study. The study adopted a sample population of 60 respondents who were all chosen from the selected media houses in Kampala central division.

The findings were there are challenges encountered by journalists in Kampala central division through policy and legal environment such as fees, Government interference had 16.7% of the respondents, High news production costs had 20%, High infrastructure costs and high connection costs had 15% and corruption among journalists 10%. Findings on the responsibility for the nature of problems faced in journalism, nature of work had 28% legal system had 46.7% and technology had 8.3% of the respondents.

Politics negatively affect journalism in Kampala city central division according to 50% of the

respondents disruption of journalism activity 46.7%, the findings were that Heavy penalties on journalists exist with 25%, harm is inflicted on journalists during political rallies had 20% and journalists are arrested on political coverage had 8.3% of the respondents.

It was also established that journalism affects politics in Kampala central division. The findings That majority of the respondents were Sensitization of masses on political reforms,

communication of political agendas to the public, a platform for lobbying political requirements and provision of audience for political agitations had 20% of the respondents. The findings were that 50% of the respondents agreed, 25% disagreed while 25% were not sure. On the measures established to improve the journalism industry in Uganda. The findings were that provision guidance to operations had 25% of the respondents, providing behavioral free programs had 16.7%, adherence to the electronic act had 36.7% and Sensitization of staff on ethical behaviors had 2 1.6% of the respondents.

The study recommends for the need on the provision a common ground by the government in establishing the dignity of journalists in the Ugandan context. The media council (Uganda

communication commission need to strengthen the capacity in terms of monitoring, establish a coordinated inter-agency mechanism for follow-up and evaluating matters of concern on the issue of the safety of journalists and impunity, including regular reviews of progress at the national and international level, incorporate the issues of the safety of journalists, encourage Member States to take an active role in the prevention of attacks against journalists.