Role Of The Media In Promoting Democracy And Human Rights In Uganda

ABSTRACT A strong democratic society will be marked by respect for human rights which includes freedom of press, right to vote and be elected at genuine and periodic elections, freedom of assembly and association, good governance among others. This study was therefore carried out to determine the role of the media in promoting democracy and human rights in Uganda. The study used cross-sectional design due to limited time of study. It took a quantitative approach because it involved use of structured questions to collect data which was in form of numbers and statistics. It covered Kampala city and the target population was 50 respondents selected through simple random sampling. Structured interview was used to collect data using an interview schedule as the research instrument. Data was analyzed by editing, coding, and tabulation. The findings revealed that the media can promote democracy and human rights through civic education, advocacy, surveillance and lobbying Parliament to change or remove laws affecting the media. It was further revealed that politics in Uganda are marred with voter bribery, intimidation and violence, harassment of the opposition and control of the Electoral Commission by the ruling government. Findings also revealed that, the government heavily interferes with the media's role of promoting democracy and human rights by invoking draconian laws such as sedition, false news, and through closure of critical media houses and arrest of vocal journalists. Findings revealed that the media has played a big role in exposing corruption and scandals in public offices. These findings imply that despite the milestones the media have made in Uganda, the political atmosphere is still harsh and freedom of press is still a pipe dream. Findings will be used by Government as a starting point in reviewing all bad laws and drafting policy that will see improvement of democracy and human rights in Uganda.