91Â鶹¹ú²ú¾«Æ·×ÔÅÄ

UNESCO is publishing a comprehensive assessment of the media landscape in Uganda, based on the Organization’s Media Development Indicators (MDIs). The study was supported by the UNESCO International Programme for the Development of Communication (IPDC) and carried out by the Department of Journalism and Communication, Makerere University, Uganda. 

This assessment has been structured around the five categories of the MDIs: 1) legal and regulatory framework; 2) plurality and diversity of media; 3) media as a platform for democratic discourse; 4) professional capacity building; and 5) infrastructural capacity. This offers a comprehensive assessment of the media landscape in a country at a given time, and correspondingly it recommends possible steps to further develop a free, independent, and pluralistic media landscape in line with international standards. 

Using a multi-sectoral participatory approach involving different stakeholders in the quantitative and qualitative data collection, some of the key recommendations emanating from this assessment include the need to harmonise media laws and policies in Uganda with international standards, to create a conducive atmosphere for freedom of expression, plurality of voices and diversity of media content. The assessment also recommends creation of laws to regulate media ownership and reduce media concentration; provision of more incentives to promote community media; further investment in audience research; standardisation of journalism curriculum; and strengthening of journalists’ associations. 

The bulk of the research for this study refers to the situation up to the end of 2013. There have been some changes since then, but much endures. Hence, not only is this a baseline for assessing any subsequent developments, but it also serves as a study with contemporary relevance as well, particularly in its recommendations.