By
Ronnie Weswa
The Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU), Mbale campus, will for the first time host World Press Freedom Day celebrations in the Bugisu region on May 21. The event is being organized by the Islamic University Mass Communication Students Association (IUMCSA).
According to Rehema Katono, the university’s Public Relations Officer, this marks a milestone for the region, which despite having numerous journalists, has never held a formal celebration to mark the global day.
Speaking during a press conference held Wednesday at the campus, Katono said the event aims to bring together journalists from various media platforms to reflect on the challenges they face and advocate for press freedom.
Rashid Kabiji, a mass communication lecturer and News Editor at IUIU FM, underscored the risks journalists encounter in their line of duty. He cited physical harm, imprisonment, and assault as some of the hazards media professionals endure while gathering news.
He emphasized that the upcoming celebration will offer a platform for journalists to collectively engage the government and relevant authorities on these issues.
Mulushid Walujo, President of IUMCSA and Manager of Big FM, noted that press freedom in Uganda remains limited, which impedes journalists’ ability to operate independently and effectively. As part of the preparations, journalists across Mbale and the surrounding areas are conducting radio talk shows to raise public awareness on the critical role of the media and journalism in society.