Uganda cracks down on journos

2006-01-14 16:47

Kampala - Uganda's government has refused to renew the media accreditation for a Canadian journalist, and given only temporary clearance to a British reporter, in an apparent crackdown on foreign journalists.

The crackdown comes before the country's national elections, set for next month.

International analysts expect the elections to pose the strongest challenge yet to Ugandan president Yoweri Museveni 19-year rule.

The Ugandan government is accusing the independent press of tarnishing its image.

On January 3, foreign journalists were summoned to a meeting by the head of the country's official media centre, and were ordered to re-apply for accreditation with the organisation.

Will Ross of the British Broadcasting Corp said: "We were told not move beyond a radius of 100 kilometres from Kampala until we had sought clearance from the media centre.

Government 'unhappy' with reporting

"I was told to return my 12-month accreditation and I was issued a letter allowing me to work until April 31 this year."

Media centre director Robert Kabushenga, said the Ugandan government was unhappy with Ross' reporting. He did not elaborate.

Canadian freelance journalist Blake Lambert said his application for new accreditation was turned down: "My calls are not being answered by the centre officials. I do not know whether it is deliberate or not. It is a bit of a problem."

Lambert writes for The Washington Times, Christian Science Monitor and The Economist.

He is also a panellist on a political talk show on K-FM radio, an independent station critical of the government.

Kabushenga confirmed the Ugandan government had turned down Lambert's application: "That man has his own problems.

"As for his seeking the accreditation, the answer is either yes or no. He goes on the radio and talks useless things."

- AP