The Role of Broadcast Media in Explaining the Land Amendment Bill (2007) In Uganda. A Case Study of Central Broadcasting Services Mengo, Kampala

CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION 1.0 BACKGROUND Land continues to be at the forefront of the issues of concern to citizens through out Uganda. Thus proponents of human development advocate for people's participation in decision making so they need to be empowered through information. Broadcast media especially radio is one of the channels that provide information to people. Socially radio stations have sensitized people about the on going land amendment bill 2007.Thus public awareness of the conditions of the land bill 2007 and the social and economic impact has probably been the most important driving force for Central Broadcasting Services(CBS) to keep people informed about the progressive debates on land. This came after its recognition that the population was neither well informed about the opportunities in the land amendment bill nor its short comings. Like else where in the sub region, land reforms have been initiated in Uganda with the objective of addressing issues related to land ownership. The purpose of the amendment bill is to further enhance the protection of lawful and bona fide occupants on customary land from wide spread evictions from land without due regard to the land rights as conferred by the constitution and the land act. 1.1 JUSTIFICATION FOR THE RESEARCH Land is a basic resource, critical for the survival of rural communities. Currently there is an advocacy initiative for the introduction of a land policy in Uganda and the insertion of the clause on co-ownership ofland by spouses.