Uganda at 64: UJU President Calls for Journalists’ Welfare and Press Freedom

By Osmara Digital Media

KAMPALA, Uganda — Uganda Journalists Union (UJU) President Evelyne Nalule has congratulated Ugandans on the country’s 64th Independence Day anniversary, calling for renewed commitment to journalists’ welfare, professional safety and press freedom as the nation reflects on its journey since attaining independence in 1962. In her Independence Day message, Nalule, speaking on behalf of the union’s National Executive Committee and membership, joined fellow Ugandans in commemorating the historic milestone under the theme, “Embracing our Sovereignty with Hope and Visionary Leadership.”

She paid tribute to the heroes and heroines whose sacrifices contributed to Uganda’s independence, noting that the anniversary provides an opportunity for citizens to reflect on the country’s progress and renew their commitment to national development. “For us in the media sector, independence is not just a political milestone; it is the ultimate foundation upon which the constitutional rights of expression, speech, and a free press are built,” Nalule said.

She emphasised the media’s contribution to national development through accurate reporting, accountability journalism and amplifying the voices of communities, particularly those whose concerns might otherwise receive limited public attention. According to the UJU president, a free and responsible media remains an important pillar of democratic governance and the protection of national sovereignty.

UJU Renews Call for Journalists’ Welfare

As Uganda marks 64 years of independence, Nalule reaffirmed the union’s commitment to promoting labour rights and press freedom while advocating for improved working conditions across the media industry. She noted that journalists’ contributions to national development should be accompanied by greater attention to their welfare, security and professional working environment. “True national progress cannot be fully realised if those who tell our national story continue to face precarious working conditions, safety threats, or low wages,” she said. Nalule called on media owners and government stakeholders to renew their commitment to improving journalists’ welfare, strengthening workplace security and promoting professional safety for media practitioners across the country.

Her appeal places journalists’ working conditions among the issues warranting continued attention as Uganda reflects on the meaning of independence, constitutional freedoms and the responsibilities that accompany them.

Independence and the Responsibility of the Media

Uganda’s Independence Day commemorates the country’s attainment of self-government from British colonial rule on October 9, 1962. The anniversary offers an opportunity to recognise the contributions of past generations while reflecting on the responsibilities of institutions and citizens in advancing the country’s development.

For the media fraternity, the occasion also underscores the relationship between national sovereignty, freedom of expression, access to information and the public’s right to receive accurate and credible information. Nalule urged journalists to uphold professional ethics, remain committed to truth and strengthen unity within the profession as they contribute to the national conversation.

She said UJU would continue pursuing its mandate of defending journalists’ labour rights and promoting press freedom, while encouraging media practitioners to approach their responsibilities with renewed purpose.

As Uganda celebrates its 64th Independence Day, the union’s message combines congratulations to the nation with a call for practical measures to ensure that journalists can carry out their duties in safe, dignified and supportive working environments. Nalule concluded her message by wishing Ugandans a meaningful Independence Day celebration, reaffirming the national spirit captured in the country’s motto: “For God and My Country.”