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Today (Wednesday) is World Press Freedom Day, also known as World Press Day, as Uganda joins the rest of the globe in commemorating the day, Human rights organizations and media organizations have vehemently advocated action against violators of media freedom and freedom of expression.

Following a recommendation made at the 26th General Conference of UNESCO in 1991, the UN General Assembly designated May 3 as World Press Freedom Day in 1993.

Today, May 3, we observe World Press Freedom Day alongside the rest of the world. On this day, we remember the value of protecting the media from attacks on their independence, we celebrate press freedom around the world, and honour journalists for their significant contributions to democracy.

This year’s global theme is “shaping a future of rights, looking at freedom of expression as a driver for all other human rights”.

The local theme is: “Protecting freedom of expression in Uganda as a driver for all other human rights”.

Omara Apita, a commissioner at the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC), said yesterday Tuesday 2^nd May 2023 that offenders need to be punished and victims need to be compensated. This occurred at a news conference held in Kampala along with the Uganda Media Sector Working Group (UMSWG).

Every May 3, World Press Freedom Day is observed to increase public awareness of the value of press freedom and to remind governments of their responsibility to uphold and respect the right to freedom of expression. Apita asserted that in order to successfully safeguard everyone’s right to free expression, media regulating institutions, both statutory and self-regulatory, must be enhanced.

In commemoration of World Press Freedom Day, the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and a total of 23 journalists who cover the Karamoja subregion also participated in a number of events on Tuesday 2^nd May, 2023.

Some of the activities included cleaning surrounding the Moroto central market, the abattoir cell, one of the dirtiest areas in the Moroto municipality economic hub, South Division, and other locations were some of the operations.

The journalists also sat and talked about the work-related difficulties they face while on duty in Karamoja.

Maj. Isaac Oware, the UPDF’s public relations officer, stated that the army appreciates the sacrifices, dedication, and contribution of Karamoja’s media. He continued by saying that the media has significantly contributed to the socioeconomic development of communities as democracies develop.