Speaker Oboth Calls for Professionalism in Parliamentary Journalism

Speaker of Parliament Jacob Oboth-Oboth has underscored the critical need for journalists accredited to cover parliamentary affairs to maintain high standards of professionalism, accuracy, and fairness in their reporting.

During a recent meeting with the leadership of the Uganda Parliamentary Press Association (UPPA), Oboth highlighted the media’s significant influence in shaping public perception of Parliament. He urged reporters to be vigilant against the spread of misinformation and sensationalism, stating that the integrity of public discourse on legislative matters hinges on the quality of information disseminated.

“The credibility of Parliament’s engagement with the public depends heavily on the integrity of the information disseminated through the media,” Oboth remarked. He further emphasized that parliamentary journalists carry a unique responsibility to foster transparency and accountability by providing an accurate portrayal of the legislature’s work.

“You play a critical role in promoting transparency, accountability, and public understanding of the legislature’s work. I encourage you to remain accurate, fair and responsible in your reporting,” he added.

The Speaker also extended his commitment to supporting initiatives designed to enhance the working environment for parliamentary journalists. This support is expected to cover areas such as capacity building and improving access to necessary information.

Responding to the Speaker’s remarks, UPPA President Samuel Ibanda Mugabi welcomed the commitment, noting the necessity of consistent dialogue between Parliament’s leadership and the media to effectively address the challenges faced by journalists. He expressed confidence that under Speaker Oboth’s leadership, many of these challenges would be resolved, leading to a stronger working relationship between Parliament and the press.

Source: Nile Post