The State of Press Freedom in Uganda

Authors

  • Meghan Sobel Regis University
  • Karen McIntyre Virginia Commonwealth University

Keywords:

press freedom, Uganda, journalism, interviews

Abstract

The press-freedom landscape in Uganda is one of unique contradictions. On one hand, Uganda is said to have one of the most free and active media landscapes in Central and East Africa, and courts regularly rule in favor of journalists’ rights. On the other hand, an array of legal and extralegal mechanisms continues to limit free expression. In-depth interviews with Ugandan journalists revealed that journalists face dangers if they report critically about the president or his inner circle, but they simultaneously play a role in the limited press freedom. Findings from this study suggest that the actions of journalists have not been sufficiently factored into media development theory and propose that while the political science framework of the safety valve may be at play, Uganda is undergoing the process of journalistic domestication.

Author Biographies

Meghan Sobel, Regis University

Dr. Meghan Sobel (corresponding author)Assistant ProfessorDepartment of CommunicationRegis University3333 Regis Blvd.Denver, CO, 80221-1099, USAmsobel@regis.edu720-352- 7475Twitter: @meghansobel

Karen McIntyre, Virginia Commonwealth University

Dr. Karen McIntyreAssistant ProfessorRichard T. Robertson School of Media and CultureVirginia Commonwealth University901 West Main Street, Room 2216Richmond, VA 23221, USAkemcintyre@vcu.edu530-448- 4638Twitter: @kmcintyre3

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Published

2020-01-28

Issue

Vol. 14 (2020)

Section

Articles

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