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Disseminators, Advocates and Watchdogs

A Profile of Ugandan Journalists in the New Millennium

Peter G. Mwesige

Indiana Universitypmwesige{at}indiana.edu

Based on a national survey carried out in 2001, this study provides a demographic and attitudinal profile of Ugandan journalists at an interesting time when we are not only witnessing increasing media globalization but also democratic, if shaky, transitions in Sub-Saharan Africa. The study explores the demographics and job conditions of news people in this East African country, their role perceptions, professional attitudes and beliefs, as well as the major constraints on journalistic freedoms in Uganda. Where it is possible and appropriate, comparisons are made to both African and western journalists.

The results show that Ugandan journalists highly value the so-called western journalistic functions of information, analysis and interpretation and investigation of official claims. They also show strong support for ‘populist mobilizer’ functions such as giving ordinary people voice and setting the political agenda. However, despite the relative press freedom in recent years, Ugandan news people work under conditions that pose major legal, political and economic limitations on their journalistic freedoms. In spite of such constraints, they showed a commitment to the public affairs benefits of their jobs.

Key Words: attitudinal profile • journalism Africa • journalism Uganda • journalist survey • mass media Africa • mass media Uganda • press freedom Africa • press freedom Uganda • Ugandan media

Journalism, Vol. 5, No. 1, 69-96 (2004)
DOI: 10.1177/1464884904039556
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