A media rights group has strongly condemned the victimization of the media by labeling a section of practitioners as pro-Mbabazi, saying this is intended to stifle free public debate and press freedom.

This follows the media publication of a list of journalists as inclined to and supporters of the Prime Minister and also Secretary General of the ruling Party Amama Mbabazi.

The national Coordinator Human Rights Network for Journalist Robert Ssempala says that whereas it is a cardinal principle for journalists to be impartial and objective in the course of their work, government agencies have decided to deliberately label some scribes to cause confusion.

Condemning what he described as uncalled for politicalization of the media, Ssempala said that the unjustified labeling is equivalent to persecution and threatening of practitioners.

However Ssempala urged Media Managers to stand firm with their employees to ensure that their entities operate without this undue pressure for the observance of media freedoms and rights.