World Press Freedom Day 2021

In commemoration of World Pres Freedom Day under the theme: “Information as a Public Good”, Uganda National Commission for UNESCO in partnership with Uganda Media Women Association organized a public dialogue under the theme “In Defense of Information as a public Good: Does the Safety of Frontline Workers Matter?” What are the Gender Implications?” focusing on the issues surrounding the safety and security of frontliners, exploring the gender implications and later suggesting solutions. Many stakeholders participated in the function and the guest of Honour Hon. Judith Nabakooba, Minister for ICT and National guidance in her remarks noted “World Press Freedom is celebrated because none of us is perfect and therefore the continued need for dialogue. Government is open to discussions and receive guidance but also recognizes the importance of all stakeholders. We need to use all channels put in place by Government as we bring out issues. There is no country in the world where media is not regulated and there is also need to differentiate between activism and journalism”.

Secretary General, Uganda National Commission for UNESCO in her speech noted that the strategic objective of  UNESCO’s field of competence of Communication and Information  is to promote freedom of expression, media development and access to information and knowledge and urged everyone to continue reflecting on this years theme” Information as a Public Good” which underlines the indisputable importance of verified and reliable information and requires paying attention to the essential role of free and professional journalism in producing and disseminating verified information by tackling misinformation and other harmful content.