Media_Freedom_in_Uganda_Analysis_of_inequitable_legal_limitations

MEDIA FREEDOM IN UGANDA
it has provided fertile ground for the Commission to act in excess of its powers
to gag the media as seen communication to Media houses to cease operation
during the media siege in May 2013 among others.
The Anti-Homosexuality Act 2014
The law criminalizes what it terms promotion, aiding and abetting homosexuality.
It seeks to punish anyone indulging in “participation in production, procuring,
marketing, broadcasting, disseminating, publishing pornographic materials
for purposes of promoting homosexuality; the funding or sponsoring of
homosexuality or other related activities; the offering of premises and other
related fixed or movable assets for purposes of homosexuality or promoting
homosexuality; the use of electronic devices which include internet, films, mobile
phones for purposes of homosexuality or promoting homosexuality”.
Persons found guilty of the ‘offence of promotion of homosexuality’ are “liable on
conviction to a fine of five thousand currency points or imprisonment of a minimum
of five years and a maximum of seven years or both fine and imprisonment”. In
case the offender is a corporate body or a business or an association or a nongovernmental
organization, on conviction its certificate of registration shall be
cancelled and the director or proprietor or promoter shall be liable on conviction
to imprisonment for seven years.
This provision prohibiting the ‘promotion of homosexuality’ would most certainly
criminalize the activities of the media fraternity that may engage in innocent
publication and broadcast of issues concerning homosexuality for public debate.
The provisions do not only threaten the work of individual journalists but can also
lead to the closure of a media house if found culpable for the offence.
The same provision criminalizes and counters the freedom to associate and
assemble as provided for by the Constitution to any individuals that may seek
to do so. Any organization or association whatsoever with any ‘inklings’ of
homosexuality related advocacy can be dubbed to be a promoter within the
wide ambiguous definition
47