Ugandan Private Media Houses have protested a decision by the government to award all its adverts to the national broadcaster the Uganda Broadcasting Corporation (UBC).
The Media Houses under their umbrella, the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) in a letter to the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Finance Ramathan Ggoobi argue that the government decision is discriminatory and contravenes the constitution.
These argue that the said directive from the government is also contradictory as it insists that accounting officers should ensure that all projects including those externally funded, are implemented within the provisions of Article 21 (1) and (2) of the constitution and section 13 (11) (e) (i-ii) of the Public Management Act 2015.
According to both legal provisions, they place emphasis on the equality of all persons to opportunities and benefits without prejudice and discrimination on grounds of sex, tribe, colour, origin, birth, creed, religion, social or economic standing, political opinion or disability.
The NAB also argue that the National Strategy for Private Sector Development (NSPSD) FY2017-18-2021-22 sets out a comprehensive scheme for coordinating the growth and development of the Private Sector in Uganda.
They urge that the NSPSP, the constitution, the EAC Treaty, the Public Procurement and Disposal of Assets (PPDA), the Uganda Communications Commissions Act, and the National Competition Policy of 2014, all speak to the government’s reinforcement of a private sector-led economy aimed at strengthening and coordinating policies and initiatives geared towards growing and developing business enterprises in a competitive and fair manner.
“Our protest as an industry is that the implementation of the said directive in your circular will not only contravene the 1995 constitution of the Republic of Uganda but also set a precedent that goes against the government’s own policy that champions a private sector-led economy,” the statement from NAB reads in part.
“In light of the aforementioned, we are left with no option but to let you know that henceforth, the members of the NAB shall not be obliged to cover any government activity until the said directive is reversed,” the statement continues.
The NAB however state that there is a window for discussions with the government to reach an amicable solution.