Media human rights activists back editors not attend the paliament summons

The Human Rights Network for journalists has defended the stance by editors of media houses not to appear before the Parliament’s Committee on Rules, Privileges and Discipline.

The Committee has insisted that Editors of three media Houses must appear before an ongoing inquiry into coverage of MPs’ expenses and defend stories they published.

The Committee made the ruling after Editors of The Observer, Red Pepper and Uganda Radio Network (URN) for the second time rejected summons to appear before them to shed light on the stories that have been disputed by authorities in Parliament.

However Speaking KFM, Robert Ssempala coordinator of the Human Rights Network for Journalists said any inquiries into media reporting must be done a holistic manner instead of intimidating editors about how to perform their journalistic duties to society.

He says together with other stakeholders, they are consulting MPs to figure out a way of meeting the speaker of parliament and resolve this issue for the good of all.

The Committee Vice Chairperson Ongalo Obote said yesterday they will issue fresh summons for the Editors to appear on Thursday 27^th October, before compiling a report to be presented to the House when it resumes business on November 14^th for action to be taken against the defiant media Houses.

Written by David Kugonza