As Uganda prepares for the United Nations RIGHTS peer review mechanism slated for November this year in Geneva, rights activists in Uganda are urging government to loosen up on all laws that have made it difficult for journalists to smoothly carryout their duties.

Among the laws that need to be loosened up for Uganda to match with global rights standards on media and freedoms of expression include  those on the penal code act, press and journalism act, anti-terrorism act, public order management act, among other laws that infringe on the right to free media in this country.

According to the Programme Officer of Human Rights Network – Uganda (HURINET), James Nkubi, during the time of review for Uganda will have to give full accountability on her progress on the rights of the media and freedoms of expression which according to the activists, Uganda still has a long way to get to the required global rights bar.

National Coordinator Human Rights Network for Journalists, Robert Sempala.

Meanwhile, the National Coordinator Human Rights Network for Journalists, Robert Sempala says it’s time for government to exhibit high levels of diplomacy and provide free and enough space for Uganda’s media fraternity to operate without any obstacles.