When the messenger is beaten

When the messenger is beaten
By Alon Mwesigwa
“You are headed for a tough job,” these were the comments of my friends as we watched news about the journalists that were beaten in the just concluded elections but as journalist in the making, I believe those are the hurdles we are set to face to serve the society.
As Ugandans went out to exercise their civic duty in the just concluded presidential polls and disputed Kampala mayoral elections, we hardly thought journalists would be the target of thugs.
A journalist was shot at during the presidential elections and six others were seriously beaten and injured during the mayoral elections. Violence against journalists is not new in Uganda and the habit is growing steadily. This is one form of intimidation that cripples the work of journalists. Unfortunately, the government has not done much to prevent such violence.
Like many other Ugandans, I am fascinated and bubble over when the economy is revamped, policies changed for the better, and Ugandans helped get out of poverty because of a particular story in the media.
Journalists and the media at large have got much to contribute to the development of this country. Among other things; they check on the operations of government, and are critical in the progress of this country. So, you can guess what it means for Uganda when the messenger is denied the chance to operate freely.
Besides weakening the institutional memory by scaring away those who would be willing to join the profession for the service of the society, Uganda is set for misgovernment, stunted development, illiteracy and high levels of poverty if violence against journalists is not checked.

Media houses need take stern action to prevent their journalists against unnecessary violence. The government too has a duty to prevent this instead of enacting laws set to cripple free media. Citizens alike should give the messenger a favourable environment in which to operate.

aamwesigwa@gmail.com