The Role Of The Media In Combating Homosexuality Among The Youth: A Case Study Of Monitor Publication Kampala City

ABSTRACT

The study intends to establish the role of the media in combating homosexuality among the

youth in Uganda the Objectives of the study were: to find out how the media represents cases concerning combating homosexuality in Uganda, the role of the media in influencing the institutional framework towards combating homosexuality in Uganda. to examine the challenges faced by the media in fighting homosexuality. The study used a cross sectional case study design employing both qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection. A case study design was used because it was not be possible to study all media houses in Uganda within a short time and yet there is need to obtain detailed contextual analysis.

The findings of the study revealed that many literature, articles and academic publications from different authors on media and its role towards homosexuality control were also presented. In the cause of this research, the researcher was able to find out that serious media reporting started recently in 1 990s when radio Uganda was unmonopolized. But all in all, a correlation has been found between the role of the media and fighting against homosexuality in Uganda. Thus, the media becomes an essential figure in this war.

The conclusions of the study showed that media representation of homosexuals’ may not

necessarily combat homosexuality but can only promote it the more. Media representation of homosexuals can only be of significance in combating homosexuality if it is negative. Positive representation of homosexuals only spurs it in potential young ones. The media can play a very big role in influencing the institutional framework on combating homosexuality in Uganda. Therefore, the media needs a frontline emphasis if homosexuality is to be combated in this case. The recommendations of the study showed that Media houses need to start representing homosexuality as a bad thing if it is to be combated in Uganda because the meaning of most issues is got from the media firsthand. The media should avoid promoting homosexuality by talking good to publically or stereotypically known homosexuals, lesbians and guys.