FOREWORD
It’s not an understatement to say that in Uganda today,
corruption is taking on the centre of debate in the media. As
a critical strategy in a country’s anti-corruption crusade, an
effective media is timely in charting the path to follow in curbing
corruption. The media’s role is to raise public awareness about
corruption, its causes, effects and possible remedies including
investigating and reporting incidents of corruption. It’s also
extremely important for the media to educate people about their
rights. Informing citizens of the types of corruption within their
social, political and economic systems to be able to fight it more
effectively and develop their own strategies is the role of the
media.
Engaging the public in the fight against corruption is justified in
forcing those in authority to act and giving the people further
courage to speak out and stand up for transparency and
accountability. Empowering the media is a dynamic strategy in
holding leaders accountable and involving more people in the
anti-corruption campaign. To restore good governance and
trust, there is need for all stakeholders to be definite in their
efforts.
Fostering democracy and the rule of law, furthermore promoting
human rights has been a revolutionary element of the Konrad-
Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) in Uganda for more than three
decades. Being a leader in this approach, KAS supports a
number of organizations in Uganda, whose drive is to create
an independent, professional and openly democratic media.
For this cause, KAS has supported such long-term partners like
the Uganda Media Development Foundation (UMDF). Since its
inception 17 years ago, UMDF has been partnering with KAS in
implementing media training programmes designed to create a
journalistic workforce that is well- educated, independent and
equipped to promote good governance and bring an end to the
“culture” of secrecy.
In 2011, the hub of activities implemented by UMDF with support
from KAS was another critical concern, “Bracing journalists to
fight corruption”. So as to raise awareness, stimulate interest,
and encourage research into corruption and media development
issues, the second issue of the Uganda Media Review is
published on Media and Corruption.
The Uganda Media Review has become the leading publication
to compliment universities, governments, corporations, think
tanks, civil societies and the media globally.
Uganda Media Development Foundation expresses its sincere
gratitude to Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung for its long time
commitment and support. Special thanks to the revolutionary
authors of the articles in this journal, for providing an analysis
of the character of corruption and legislation to fight corruption.
The staff of UMDF is also hereby thanked for their commitment.
Gertrude Benderana
Project Manager
Uganda Media Development Foundation