By Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa has expressed surprise over reports that journalists from NTV Uganda and other Nation Media Group outlets were denied access to Parliament and had their accreditation withdrawn by security personnel on Tuesday morning.
The matter came to light after Acting Leader of Opposition Muwanga Kivumbi raised concern on the floor, describing the move as a serious violation of press freedom.
Latest
Museveni Appoints Lino Anguzu as New Director of Public Prosecutions
Mob Kills Suspected Thug After Attacking Security Guard in Nansana
NTV Crew Barred from Parliament Over Airing of ‘Unopposed’ Stories
Police Intensify Crackdown on Drugs and Robberies, Over 45 Arrested
Police Deny Detaining S.2 Student Over Kajjansi Land Row
LCIII Chairperson Remanded Over Selling Government Jobs
Nandala Mafabi Pledges to Ban Juice Imports and Empower Local Farmers
UNEB Warns of Fake PLE Papers Circulating Online
“I understand this morning, one of the most credible media houses, NTV, which is accredited to cover this Parliament, was stopped from accessing the premises and their accreditation was literally cancelled,” Kivumbi told the House.
He linked the incident to recent coverage by the station on “unopposed candidates,” including the Speaker and Deputy Speaker, which he said may have made some members of Parliament uncomfortable.
“As we go towards elections, tolerance and press freedom are critical. Hearing alternative views, no matter how uncomfortable, is part of democracy,” Kivumbi added, urging the Parliamentary leadership to ensure full media access to the institution.
In his response, Tayebwa said he had not been informed about the decision and promised to verify the information through the Clerk to Parliament.
“I will cross-check with the Clerk. All I know is that we have a process of accreditation, and the Speaker or Deputy Speaker doesn’t participate in that process,” he said. “I will interest myself in the guidelines and find out whether it is true, because it is news to me.”
The development has sparked renewed debate over media freedom and transparency in Parliament, with calls for the leadership to clarify the decision and guarantee unrestricted access for accredited journalists.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel for more… https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb6TpGqLtOjKB7S8OI3d
