ICT and National Guidance Minister Hon Frank Tumwebaze has appealed to a section of Ugandans to engage in constructive criticism while debating on social media platforms.
Tumwebaze wondered why all interactions in the media have instead turned out to be a political contest rather than addressing ideas.
The outspoken ruling party lawmaker made the revelations on Wednesday while opening the Annual Broadcasters Conference hosted by Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) a body he supervises.
In his submission, Tumwebaze advised several media houses to always engage the right people to speak about policies and issues rather than turning programs into political debates.
In that way, “you are denying Ugandans substance,” said Tumwebaze.
“For example why don’t you invite experts to talk about social media tax, instead of inviting me and Nambooze and the interactions turns into a political contest,” he said.
“Should all the debates become political?”
He suggested that media houses should invest heavily in their journalists and equip them with information which helps to mitigate misfires, misleads and publication of fake news.
Tumwebaze said unlike the notion that government gags media, it most of the time is regulating the media which is in the law.
Against that backdrop Tumwebaze questioned those who criticise the regime for curtailing freedom of speech yet he has many times tolerated heaps of insults on Twitter and he responds by availing facts.
“My job is tough, I have to respond to abuses on twitter, I have so many times been called stupid and I can’t do anything. Then you say there is no democracy in this country?” asked Tumwebaze.
