Journalist Kayongo Claims Baryomunsi, UCC Boss Excluded as Balaam, Military Meet Media Owners

Journalist Robert Kayongo has strongly criticized State Minister for Youth and Children Affairs Balaam Ateenyi for convening a high-level meeting with media owners, the military, and the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) without involving the responsible minister for communication.

The meeting, held last Thursday, led to key resolutions, including a controversial proposal for the government to introduce cadre courses for journalists.

The move has received mixed reactions, with some media practitioners viewing it as an attempt to control press freedom.

In a statement on X, Kayongo described Ateenyi’s actions as a reflection of government failure and questioned how such a meeting could take place without the knowledge or involvement of Chris Baryomunsi, the Information and Communications Minister.

"How could the junior minister for youth and children convene a meeting with media owners, yielding serious resolutions, without involving the line minister for communication? Chris Baryomunsi, the chief supervisor for UCC, was neither informed nor invited," Kayongo wrote.

He further linked the minister’s actions to what he termed as a broader abuse of power by President Yoweri Museveni and his son, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, accusing them of misusing public office.

The proposed cadre courses for journalists have sparked debate, with critics arguing that they could be used to indoctrinate the press, while government supporters insist they are meant to instill professionalism.