The Ugandan government has made it mandatory for all journalists to undergo a cadre course at the National Leadership Institute in Kyankwanzi, a move that has sparked debate within the media industry.
The directive was confirmed by Minister Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi, who delivered a message from the Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, during a stakeholder meeting with media owners and executives at the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) headquarters in Bugolobi, Kampala.
The decision has received mixed reactions from journalists and media organizations. Some view it as a government effort to indoctrinate the press, while others believe it could offer valuable training in professional ethics and media management.
Critics argue that the move tightens state control over journalism, potentially limiting press freedom and editorial independence.
Some media professionals fear that the government could use the training to push a pro-state narrative and suppress dissenting voices.
While details on the course structure remain unclear, the requirement has already raised concerns about journalistic autonomy and the role of the state in shaping media narratives.As the deadline approaches, media houses and journalists will be closely watching how the policy unfolds and whether it will be enforced uniformly across the industry.