EAPC urges end to regional government-media hostilities

The East African Press Councils (EAPC) is calling for de-escalation of the hostility and exchanges between the media and governments in the region.

EAPC has expressed fears that the heightened public intimidation and profiling of the media and journalists by those wielding state power is creating fear among journalists while promoting self-censorship in the media.

“This violates Constitutional, regional and global human rights state obligations, including denial of the right to access information and endangering the lives of journalists,” EPAC chairperson David Omwoyo said.

In a statement issued on Sunday, EAPC urged all parties to exercise restraint and resolve outstanding issues through dialogue.

“Continued attacks on press freedom—including assaults on journalists, intimidation of media practitioners and forced closures of media enterprises—erode the gains made in nurturing a free, responsible and accountable media. Such actions should not occur in countries that have committed to upholding the rule of law.”

EAPC is a regional body bringing together media regulatory agencies from Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Somalia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, aimed at harmonisation of media regulation in the East African Community.

The EAPC says the media represents a significant economic investment across the region where journalists operate under professional ethics and relevant laws.

“They therefore have a duty to report on matters of public interest, even when such reporting may be uncomfortable, irritating or inconvenient to those in public office,” Omwoyo said.

According to EAPC, public officials should acknowledge this role and, where aggrieved, use established complaint mechanisms instead of actions that endanger journalists’ lives.

The statement came on the day the Ugandan government ordered the shutdown of the Nation Media Group media outlets (The Monitor, NTV-Uganda, Spark TV and KFM FM) on the creation of a perception that the media is the enemy of the government.

The order for the shutdown is in the public domain, and the premises are currently under military control after Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba confirmed ordering the shutdown.

In Kenya, there is an ongoing public spat between President William Ruto and the Standard Group, including an alleged abduction of associate editor Alex Kiprotich from the media group on Saturday morning.

“Both the NMG and SG have defended themselves against the attacks using harsh words and strong positions. The exchanges are in the public domain, in what appears to be a political difference between the head of state and one of the investors in the media group,” Omwoyo said.

He added, “The Media is a very trusted institution in Kenya; it is for this reason that people have touted the role of media in reporting public interest issues with utmost responsibility and professionalism.”

EAPC said regional countries’ constitutions, and that apart from guaranteeing the freedom of expression, call on all practitioners to understand that the right to freedom of expression comes with justifiable limitations.

He said the same Constitution provides for the right to information for the media and other citizens, particularly when it is of national importance, as the media has a responsibility to inform the public on matters that affect their lives.

“We call for respect and upholding of media freedom and protection from any form of harassment and intimidation on one hand and on the other urge the media to practice restraint and responsibility in its public watchdog role,” Omwoyo concluded.