Wikipedia User:1babacoutinho0

The enactment of the 1995 Constitution in Uganda, that signaled Uganda’s shift to a democratic system of governance that enshrines freedom of the press and other media, coincided with the liberalization of the media. Prior to this there was one radio station and television station both state owned, to date there over 200 licensed radio stations and 40 TV stations[ ]. The result of this proliferation of radio channels and TV channels is the emergence of privately owned local media to complement the state and privately owned national media. In Uganda citizens participate in democracy and policy making through the representatives they elect to Parliament known as Members of Parliament to hold them accountable the voters need to be informed of the proceedings in Parliament [ ]. The citizens right to know is facilitated by widespread coverage of plenary and committee sittings however this coverage is largely the preserve of the national media which can afford to broadcast the proceedings live or send reporters to Parliament. Local media can’t afford this and so its coverage of Parliament is limited and neglected in favour of local programming that local communities identify with However there is evidence to suggest Parliament coverage in local media is improving to satisfy public demand for informative current affairs programming. A radio programme such as Our Parliament is symbolic of this. It is a weekly magazine program focused on the agenda of Parliament produced in 6 languages including English and in indigenous languages such as Luganda, Acholi, Lugisu, Runyakitara and Ateso. It is syndicated across a network of over 40 radio stations countrywide including Metro FM, Mega FM, Voice of Tooro to name a few. It features interviews with MPs from the 9th Parliament of Uganda and policy makers complemented by analysis from opinion leaders in a magazine format. Once aired on the local radio station it is then discussed with guests usually MPs and local leaders and opinion leaders who also field questions from callers who phone in to the show. The program is also on UBC TV the state owned broadcaster as talk show format.