Ugandan media law threatens freedom of expression, Amnesty

London, 14 May-(ANA)-Amnesty International has expressed deep concern about a proposed legislation by the Ugandan government for restrictions on the media which will violate the right to freedom of expression.

The draft Press and Journalist (Amendment) Bill, 2010, dated 29 January 2010, awaits cabinet discussion which, if adopted and supported by the cabinet, will subsequently be tabled in Parliament to be enacted into law. 

The Bill proposes mandatory registration and licensing of newspapers by a government-controlled Media Council. The Council has broad discretionary powers to revoke licences, and journalists who breach the law would be subject to punishment by heavy fines and imprisonment of up to two years. (ANA)

FA/ANA/14 May 2010-------