The Media Council of Uganda has summoned The Observer to defend itself over a story it wrote in regards the bribing of Members of Parliament to save some government agencies from being merged.
The Observer last month wrote that several MPs had been bribed to save some agencies.
Quoting sources, the newspaper said MPs had allegedly received bribes ranging from Shs 500,000 to Shs 2 million to advocate for the retention of certain agencies that the government had proposed to return to their mother ministries.
However, in the latest summons, the Media Council has asked the newspaper to defend itself over the story.
“Pursuant to powers vested in the council under Section 9 of the Press and Journalists Act Cap. 105 you are hereby summoned to appear before the disciplinary committee of the Council on May,20, 2024 at 10:00am to answer to the issues raised herein,” Media Council chairman, Paulo Ekochu said in a May, 8 letter.
According to the Media Council, Parliament is the cornerstone of democracy and therefore its sanctity ought to be protected to ensure the integrity of the democratic process.
“It is therefore very important that the public trust in Parliament and in government is maintained. Indeed, a sanctified parliament maintains the public’s trust in the government and the legislative process. Respect for the institution enhances public confidence in the government’s ability to govern effectively. Therefore, any manifestation, however called, that may derogate this trust must pass the test for its veracity.”
The Media Council has also reminded The Observer that they have not yet registered the particulars of the newspaper’s editor which contravenes the law.
The Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among recently asked UCC to investigate the newspaper over what she termed as blackmail against parliament.
