Ahead of Elections, Advocates and Reporters Call for Press Freedom and Access to Information

KAMPALA—On March 21, 2009, the Open Society Initiative for East Africa will sponsor an event on press freedom and access to information. Local journalists, academics, activists, and human rights experts will discuss the need to protect fundamental freedoms and expand the space for public debate in Uganda, especially during the lead-up to general elections in 2011.

The conference will focus on expanding access to independent and credible information and on defending journalists' rights. The event will also encourage cooperation between media and civil society groups to increase government accountability and promote human rights. 

What: Journalists, donors, human rights defenders, and civil society representatives discuss the state of press freedom and access to information ahead of 2011 general elections in Uganda.

When: Saturday, March 21, 2009, at 14:00

Where: Imperial Royale Hotel, Plot 7 Kintu Road, Kampala

Who:

• Dr George Lugalambi, Head of Communications, Makerere University
• Dr. Sylvia Tamale, former dean, Makerere University Law School
• Rosemary Kemigisha, Senior Human Rights Officer, Uganda Human Rights Commission
• Bernard Tabaire, columnist and media trainer
• Anne Gathumbi, Acting OSIEA Director

Note to reporters: Speakers will present in English.