No Media Ban on Opposition -Gov’t

The Minister of Lands Housing and Urban Development Chris Baryomunsi has said that there is no directive barring opposition politicians from accessing the media. 

Baryomunsi’s statement follows concerns by Members of Parliament on Thursday during plenary when the questioned why opposition MPs and their leaders were being blocked from use of the media.

According to Francis Mwijukye, the Buhweju County MP, on Wednesday, the President of FDC Patrick Amuria was blocked from a talk show at Liberty FM in Hoima district even after paying money.  

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However, Chris Baryomunsi says government has not issued any directives.

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Butambala MP Muwanga Kivumbi asked Government to assure MPs and the opposition that they will not be barred from the media.

Last month, security personnel reportedly switched off Hope Radio in Kabale municipality after hosting Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) party leaders including Dr Kizza Besigye the former FDC president, Ingrid Turinawe, the FDC chairperson of the Women's League, Patrick Amuriat Oboi, the party president, William Nzoghu, the Busongora North MP and Roland Mugume Kaginda, the MP for Rukungiri Municipality. 

Allan Twongyeirwe, the talk-show host said that before the show started, he received a phone call from Darius Nandiinda, the Kabale resident district commissioner (RDC) ordering him not to host the FDC leaders.