The European Union Delegation, the Heads of Mission of Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Sweden and UK and the Heads of Mission of Iceland, Japan, Norway, Republic of Korea and the United States have expressed concern over a series of recent incidents restricting freedom of expression and of assembly in Uganda.
In a statement released as the world commemorates press freedom day the envoys were particularly concerned by a recent incident where the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) wrote to 13 media houses ordering them to suspend senior staff members on allegations of breaching minimum broadcasting standards.
“We note that Uganda’s constitution, as well as regional and international standards, guarantees both freedom of speech and expression as well as freedom of assembly. We urge the government of Uganda to ensure the implementation of all the relevant laws and regulations in a way that allows all Ugandans, regardless of political affiliation, to exercise fully and without fear their basic democratic rights enshrined in the Constitution.” reads the statement in part.
UCC’s call for the suspension of the media staff followed the coverage of Monday’s arrest and prosecution of Kyadondo East MP Robert Kyagulanyi also known as Bobi Wine.
If implemented the UCC directive is likely to affect 39 media workers.
CN/as/APA