THE ROLE OF MASS MEDIA IN THE PROMOTION OF HUMAN RIGHTS IN SOROTI

MUNICIPALITY

BY

ICHOTO JULIUS

REG. NO.: 018/2017-1/DJMC-S

A RESEARCH PROPOSAL PRESENTED TO DEPARTMENT OF JOURNALISM AND

MASS COMMUNICATION OF UMCAT IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AWARD OF DIPLOMA IN JOURNALISM
AND MASS COMMUNICATION

FEBRUARY 2019

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 DECLARATION

I declare that this research proposal is my original work and has not been presented for examination

in any other institute of higher education.

ICHOTO JULIUS

Signature: _____________________

Date: _________________________

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 APPROVAL

This is to certify that this research proposal was conducted under my supervision and guidance and
is submitted to the department of Journalism and Mass Communication at UMCAT Institute of
Journalism and Mass Communication with my approval.

Signature: _____________________

Date: _________________________

MR. EKOBU GABRIEL

ACADEMIC RESEARCH SUPERVISOR

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 DEDICATION

I dedicate this report to God Almighty, who has helped me good health during my research study,
my family for their support in various areas, lecturers for their knowledge and my supervisors for
their great support and not forgetting my relatives, friends and comrades.

May God bless you all.

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 ACKNOWLEDGMENT

I am indebted to the almighty God for opening opportunities and making my dreams come true. I
would like to express my sincere thanks my family members, who have been there for me from the
beginning to the end. Your courage is the source of my strength and I will always be grateful for
that. Thank you very much for your priceless support and assistance.

I am grateful for all the people who assisted me and gave me information and ideas starting from the
initial stage of this study. A special thanks goes to my supervisor Mr. Ekobu Gabriel for the right
guidance, constructive comments and suggestions concerning the best way of doing and completing
my research.

I am also thankful for my friends, class mates and lecturers at UMCAT Institute of Journalism and
Mass Communication who imparted professionalism into my work and for making my stay
enjoyable and easier.

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS
DECLARATION ii

APPROVAL iii

DEDICATION iv

ACKNOWLEDGMENT v

TABLE OF CONTENTS vi

LIST OF TABLES ix

LIST OF ACRONYMS x

OPERATIONAL DEFINITIONS xi

ABSTRACT xii

CHAPTER ONE 1

INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND 1

1.0 Introduction 1

1.1 Background of the Study 2

1.2 Statement of the Problem 4

1.3 Purpose of the Study 4

1.4 Specific Objectives of the Study 5

1.5 Research Questions 5

1.6 Significance of the Study 5

1.7 Scope of the Study 6

1.7.1 Content Scope 6

1.7.2 Geographical Scope 6

1.7.3 Time Scope 6

CHAPTER TWO 7

LITERATURE REVIEW 7

2.0 Introduction 7

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2.1 The Notion of Human Rights 7

2.2 The Concept of Human Rights Promotion 8

2.3 The Power, Role and Responsibility of Mass Media in the Promotion of Human Rights 10

2.3.1 The Power of Mass Media 10

2.3.2 The Role and Responsibility of Media in the Promotion of Human Rights 11

2.4 Constraints on the Media Role in the Promotion of Human Rights 13

CHAPTER THREE: 15

METHODOLOGY 15

3.0 Introduction 15

3.1 Research Design 15

3.2 Research Population 15

3.3 Sampling Procedures 15

3.4 Sample Size 16

3.5 Sources of Data 16

3.5.1 Primary Data 16

3.5.2 Secondary Data 16

3.6 Data Collection Methods (DCMs) 16

3.6.1 Self Administered Questionnaire (SAQ) 17

3.6.2 Key Informant Interview (KII) 17

3.7 Validity and Reliability of Research Instruments 17

3.7.1 Validity of Research Instruments 17

3.7.2 Reliability of Research Instruments 17

3.8 Ethical Considerations 18

3.10 Data Analysis and Interpretation 18

3.12 Limitations to the Study 18

CHAPTER FOUR: 20

PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION OF STUDY FINDINGS 20

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4.0 Introduction 20

4.1 Bio Data of respondents 20

4.1.1 Response rate of respondents 20

4.1.2 Gender of respondents 20

4.1.3 Age group of the respondents 20

4.1.4 Marital status of the respondents 21

4.1.5 Education level of respondents 21

4.2 Media Knowledge and Experience in Promotion of Human Rights 22

4.2.1 Professional media category of the respondents 22

4.2.2 Media profession experience of the respondents 22

4.2.3 Respondents possession of Human Rights training 23

4.2.4 Consideration of Human Rights promotion issues in news reporting 23

4.2.5 Categories of Human Rights promoted in Soroti Municipality 24

4.2.6 Availability of Media Programmes dedicated to Human Rights Promotion 24

4.3 Barriers to Promotion of Human Rights in Soroti Municipality 25

4.3.1 Respondents’ Barriers to Promotion of Human Rights in Soroti Municipality 25

4.3.1 Outcomes of Human Rights Promotion by Media in Soroti Municipality 25

CHAPTER FIVE: 26

DISCUSSION OF RESEARCH FINDINGS 26

5.0 Introductions 26

5.1 Respondents’ Bio Data 26

5.1.1 Response rate of respondents 26

5.1.2 Gender of respondents 26

5.1.3 Age group of the respondents 26

5.1.4 Marital status of the respondents 27

5.1.5 Education level of the respondents 27

5.2 Media Knowledge and Experience in Promotion of Human Rights 27

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5.2.1 Professional media category of the respondents 27

5.2.2 Media profession experience of the respondents 28

5.2.3 Respondents possession of Human Rights training 29

5.2.4 Consideration of Human Rights promotion issues in news reporting 30

5.2.5 Categories of Human Rights promoted in Soroti Municipality 31

5.2.6 Availability of Media Programmes dedicated to Human Rights Promotion 33

5.3 Barriers to Promotion of Human Rights in Soroti Municipality 35

5.3.1 Respondents’ Barriers to Promotion of Human Rights 35

5.3.1 Outcomes of Human Rights Promotion by Media in Soroti Municipality 36

CHAPTER SIX: 39

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS 39

6.0 INTRODUCTION 39

6.1 CONCLUSION 39

6.2 RECOMMENDATIONS 40

6.2.1 The role of the mass media in promoting human rights in Soroti municipality 40

6.2.2 The impact of the mass media in promoting human rights in Soroti municipality 41

6.2.3 The challenges the mass media encounters in promoting human rights in Soroti municipality
42

REFERENCES 43

APPENDIX I: INTRODUCTORY LETTER46

APPENDIX II: CONSENT FORM FOR PARTCIPANTS 47

APPENDIX III: QUESTIONNAIRE FOR MEDIA PROFESSIONALS 48

APPENDIX IV: KEY INFORMANT INTERVIEW GUIDE FOR MEDIA PROFESSIONALS 50

APPENDIX V: WORK PLAN 51

APPENDIX VI: BUDGET ESTIMATES 52

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 LIST OF TABLES
Table 3.1: Showing the Population of the Study 15

Table 3.2: Showing the Sample for the Study 16

Table 4.1: Showing Gender of the respondents 20

Table 4.2: Showing Age of the respondents 20

Table 4.3: Showing marital status of the respondents 21

Table 4.4: Showing the level of education of the respondents 21

Table 4.5: Showing professional media category of the respondents22

Table 4.6: Showing media experience of the respondents 22

Table 4.7: Showing the respondents possession of Human Rights training 23

Table 4.8: Showing the respondents consideration of Human Rights issues in news reporting 23

Table 4.9: Showing categories of Human Rights promoted by the respondents 24

Table 4.10: Showing availability of media programmes dedicated to Human Rights promotion 24

Table 4.9: Showing barriers of Human Rights promotion by the respondents 25

Table 4.9: Showing outcomes of Human Rights promotion by the respondents 25

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 LIST OF ACRONYMS

CEDAW Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women

CRC Convention on the Rights of the Child

CSO Civil Society Organization

CVI Content Validity Index

DCI Data Collection Instrument

DCM Data Collection Method

ICCPR International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights

ICESCR International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights

NCHE National Council for Higher Education

NGO Non Governmental Organization

NPHC National Population and Housing Census

SAQ Self Administered Questionnaire

TASO The AIDS Support Organization

TV Television

UN United Nations

UDHR Universal Declaration of Human Rights

UMCAT United Media Consultants And Trainers

UHRC Uganda Human Rights Commission

UNICEF United Nations Children’s Fund

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 OPERATIONAL DEFINITIONS

Human Rights: According to this perspective, human rights are considered as a set of benefits
belonging to the people of a society, fixed in established rules and regulations that
people will enjoy as being humans and in their relationship with others and with
the government accompanied by necessary supports and guarantees. In this regard,
one can refer to the human rights and benefits and safeguarding it such as: the
human right to rule his own destiny, the right to have life requirements, legal
structure and human benefits as well as the legal system that guarantees the human
rights.

Mass media: The media are a collective means of communication by which general public or
populace is kept informed about the day to day happenings in the society. The
media are also said to be an aggregation of all communication channels that use
techniques of making a lot of direct personal communication between the
communicator and the public. While talking of mass media however, the word
“mass” means a large number of people or a collection of organs of
communication and information dissemination that reaches out to a large number
of people. The information circulation is not only confined within members of the
public but the media also serves to coordinate the information flow between
government and the public and vice versa, in our own case, between leaders and
the led and vice versa, therefore, mass media indicates a type of communication
whose aim is to establish a relationship with a group of people.

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 ABSTRACT

The mass media as information highways and as effective communication means on the public
opinion and on the civil society watchdog plays an important role in informing people, strengthening
the social-cultural thinking basis and expanding the human rights discourse. They are of the most
important leverages for education, advertisement and culture building affairs. They also make public
opinion and are components in creating civilization. Thus, the research study aimed at examining the
role of the media in the promotion of human rights in Soroti municipality; it explored the various
ways through which the media can be used to promote human rights; some of the various ways
identified in the paper are: through editorials, features, news commentaries, discussion programmes;
why the media decide to include human rights coverage as part of their programmes as well as the
portrayal of human rights elements in such programmes and editorials and the explores the
challenges the media encounters in the promotion of human rights.

Samples of both print and radio media professionals were selected using stratified sampling
technique and raw data collected from the respondents using self administered questionnaires and
key informant interviews, as well as documentary analysis provided data needed to answer the
research questions. This research was a descriptive type, analyzing the research concepts and
theories reveal, mass media, despite future challenges through adopting different communication
policies, are believed to have a strategic role in bolstering and expanding the discourse on the human
rights. The research findings discovered that the Soroti municipality populace does enjoy basic
human rights, though these rights are still trampled upon in most cases. More so, the paper identifies
that the mass media have not really been effective in the promotion of political and civil rights in the
municipality. Thus, it proposes that the media, both electronic and print, should be used to promote
the issue of human rights in the municipality, so that people know their rights.

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 CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND

1.0 Introduction

This chapter presents the; background of the study; statement of the problem; purpose of the study,
specific objectives, research questions, scope of the study and significance of the study.

The Mass Media has been entrusted with the responsibility of guarding the rights of the people in a
democratic political system. These points towards the pivotal role that the mass media can play in
ensuring that the people who make a political system enjoy its positive outcome, however, it is
important to come out of the visionary discourse of media and critically look at its role and function
in our present socio-political context (Nickel, 2007). Since media are the eyes and ears of any
democratic society, their existence becomes detrimental to the sustenance of all democratic societies.
Unless a society knows what is happening to it and its members, the question of protecting or
promoting rights does not emerge. Hence, it is in fulfilling this function that the mass media justifies
its existence.

Human rights are generally moral rights claimed by everyone and held against everyone, especially
against those who run social institutions (Ishay M., 2008). With the advent of the United Nations
(UN) and the subsequent adoption of The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) in 1948,
the concept of human rights has turned out to be one of the most contemporary issues across the
globe. The UN Charter, which was adopted in 1945, was the first international document to
recognize the protection and promotion of human rights as an obligation to be carried out by
individual, as well as collective states (Chambers D., 2000). The main reason behind the adoption of
the charter was, according to Ishay M., (2008) to forestall the reoccurrence of the horrible events
caused by two devastating world wars which were caused by massive violations of human rights and
unbridled breach of territorial integrity.

Although there are international human rights instruments which the UN has produced to serve as
common standard of achievement for all people, countless human rights violations occur across the
globe. These violations are committed by non-state actors such as; individuals, groups, informal or
organized, through direct involvement or indirectly when they consent to such violations.
Consequently, it is imperative that they be examined so that they could be held accountable for these
violations. It is also important to ascertain the reasons for state inability to safeguard human rights.

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The concept of human rights is now widely recognised in several parts of the world, and human
rights violations are reported by journalists (Nickel, 2007).

1.1 Background of the Study

The role of the mass media in promoting the nations’ awareness level, expanding the discourse and
modern concepts like human rights, democracy and peace are obvious. They also affect the way
governments function (Asemah E.S., 2011). Today, using the mass media within the international
context for planning a major strategy of the great powers possess an important status. The level of
using the new mass media includes communication satellites, large news agencies, press and
numerous radio and television stations as well as internet sites, for they cut across geographical
borders with the least cost and target minds and the way people think in other countries (Dijk T.,
2007). According to this perspective, human rights are considered as a set of benefits belonging to
the people of a society, fixed in established rules and regulations that people will enjoy as being
humans and in their relationship with others and with the government accompanied by necessary
supports and guarantees. In this regard, one can refer to the human rights and benefits and
safeguarding it such as: the human right to rule his own destiny, the right to have life requirements,
legal structure and human benefits as well as the legal system that guarantees the human rights
(Nickel, 2007).

Advocates of human rights firmly believed that the vision proclaimed in the UDHR and subsequent
human rights treaties could never be realized in practice without widespread knowledge and popular
support. The idea is that abuse can only be overcome by information made possible through freedom
of expression, freedom of the press and the rights of members of the society to seek, receive and
impart information. Promotion of human rights, however, is habitually associated with the effort of
some countries and the UN to create awareness about human rights through different means
(Chambers D., 2000). The methods include diplomacy, publishing reports and statements,
conditioning access to trade or aid on human right improvements, economic sanctions, and military
intervention. These efforts add some real power to the human right system. However, to the ordinary
people of the world these efforts do not provide adequate personal information about human rights.

The century in which we are living is concurrent with a great revolution that man has ever seen. It is
the age of communications and that of the media dominance on the humans’ lives. By the mass
media, it is meant that the flow of the information from a public affairs source could be available to
millions of people fast and efficiently Dijk T. (2007). The mass media are tools that are created in the

2
new civilizations and are applied widely and the salient feature of them is their expanded scope of
power Asemah, E.S. (2011).

The importance of the attention given to human rights by the media is noteworthy because their
coverage highlights the level of abuses occurring throughout the world (Burton G., 2005). Human
rights violation is an issue which should be given due attention. This is in line with (Defleur M.,
2010) argues that the violation of human rights is a vicious and ugly phenomenon indeed and it is
something we have overriding reasons to resist and remedy.

According to, Asemah, E.S. (2011), the mass media as the watchdog of the society have a crucial
role to play in promoting and protecting human rights. The media serve as an effective network for
educating and informing the people of human rights and also, making those who often trample on
people’s rights to know that they are doing the wrong thing. The mass media generally, could be of
immense assistance in this direction. Mbaine A., (2006), asserts that the role of the mass media in
safeguarding human rights cannot be overemphasized. Through the mass media, the people can be
aware of their fundamental human rights and the constitutional protection of their rights. Through
constant vigilance on infringement of human rights and by exposing police brutality and repression,
the mass media have caused a significant rise in public awareness of these issues (Craston C., 2000).

If the mass media is to have any meaningful role in the promotion of human rights in Soroti
municipality, then the ultimate goal of media should be to develop a range of diverse mediums and
voices that are credible, and to create and strengthen a sector that promotes such outlets. Credible
news outlets enable citizens to have access to information that they need to make informed decisions
and to participate in society (Dijk T. 2007). In trying to understand what role the mass media can
play in the promotion of human rights, certain questions would need to be addressed. It will be
relevant to find answers to such questions as: Do the mass media impact or influence? Should the
mass media influence, and in what ways are they supposed to influence? It is also necessary to
ascertain if the mass media should take responsibility for human rights promotion, or if they have the
potential to combat human rights violations as well as the challenges they encounter in partaking this
responsibility.

Although the media is meant play crucial roles in society, especially in the promotion of human
rights, this study is motivated by an observation the mass media in Soroti municipality has often
failed to adopt a comprehensive approach in reporting human rights abuses. Central to the research
study is an effort to find out why the media should decide to include human rights coverage as part

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of their programmes as well as the portrayal of human rights elements in such programmes, the
impact of such programmes, as well as the challenges in coverage of human rights abuses.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Promoting human rights is a vital means to ensure their protection and respect; however, journalists
often fail to adopt a comprehensive approach in reporting human rights abuses. Even in the absence
of such abuses, the media often fail to formulate their broadcast policy to incorporate human rights
programmes. The prioritization of profit-making over societal wellbeing dominates media agenda.
For instance, Eric J. and Thomas E. (1996) assert that the media’s preference for flashy audience
grabbing and ratings soaring image or story makes them to be nonchalant in matters which are of
interest to the public, owing to their inability to pursue events in detail.

Campaigning is always the first step to a noble cause and aims at building awareness among the
masses. In a great country like ours, campaign is the authentic way to social change. The mass media
can be an instrument for educators, educational institutions and Governmental and Non
Governmental Organizations (NGOs) for the emancipation of Human Rights. Media can disseminate
human rights information, mobilize human rights NGOS, strengthen popular participation in civil
society, promote tolerance, and shine a light on government activity (Craston C., 2000). The media
and human rights NGOs are helpful to each other in the fight against human rights violations. These
NGOs serve as monitors and sources of information for human rights stories. The NGOs can use the
national media to highlight abuses, which in turn will shame abusers to put an end to their attitude,
while information released by them could be used by the media as news stories (Dinku Shimeles,
2009).

The media foster the concept of collective rights when minority social groups are given the chance to
partake in public discussion. This in turn provides a safe environment for the protection and
promotion of human rights. However, the role of the mass media in nurturing democracy has been
hampered by growing commercial constraints prompted by mass media deregulation and
privatization (Chambers, 2000). It is against this background that this study was instituted to assess
the role of the mass media in promoting human rights in Soroti municipality

1.3 Purpose of the Study

The purpose of this research study was to look into the role of the mass media in promoting human
rights in Soroti Municipality.

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1.4 Specific Objectives of the Study

a. To examine the role of the mass media in promoting human rights in Soroti municipality

b. To assess the impact of the mass media in promoting human rights in Soroti municipality

c. To analyze the challenges the mass media encounters in promoting human rights in Soroti
municipality

1.5 Research Questions

a. What are the roles of the mass media in promoting human rights in Soroti municipality?

b. What is the impact of the mass media in promoting human rights in Soroti municipality?

c. What are the challenges the mass media encounters in promoting human rights in Soroti
municipality?

1.6 Significance of the Study

a. Having learnt from the field of Journalism and Mass Communication that the mass media
educate and inform the public, and also perform the role of agenda setting which makes mass
media audience to consider as important any issue which the media concentrate on, this study
would be important to the field of human rights because it will help in proposing a strategy
for human rights programmes to stand a chance of being given priority in an era when
different media programmes are vying for attention.

b. The research study findings would also provide a viable strategy for engaging in human
rights activism through the act of reporting on human rights issues.

c. The research study findings would make a contribution by highlighting the intricacies of
mass media’s involvement in promoting human rights. It would show that in one way or the
other, everybody might either wilfully or otherwise be complicit in human rights violations

d. The research study findings would contribute to the body of knowledge on the role of the
mass media in promoting human rights. The research study will also be a source of reference
for other researchers intending to study any gaps in the role of the mass media in promoting
human rights in Soroti municipality in Uganda.
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 e. The researcher would also acquire necessary skills of data collection, interpretation, analysis

and discussion and this would help in carrying out similar research in future and to enable

attaining the award of other degrees related to Journalism and Mass Communication.

1.7 Scope of the Study

The scope of the research study included the Content Scope, Geographical Scope and Time Scope as
detailed bellow;

1.7.1 Content Scope

The study mainly focussed on the role and responsibility of the mass media in promoting and
creating awareness of human rights in Soroti municipality. The study specifically looked into how
the mass media houses in Soroti municipality promote and create awareness of human rights issues
in Soroti municipality.

1.7.2 Geographical Scope

The study was carried out in all the three (03) divisions of Soroti municipality that include; Eastern
division, Western division, and Northern division. Soroti municipality is the urban administrative
unit of Soroti district.

1.7.3 Time Scope

The research study was conducted in a timeframe of six (06) months in Soroti municipality from
February 2019 to July 2019. This begun with writing of the proposal, formulating research
instruments such as; questionnaires and interview guides, collecting the data, analyzing the data and
finally writing the final report.

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 CHAPTER TWO

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.0 Introduction

The following chapter elaborates the theoretical review of the research and reviews literature on the
study. The presents concepts, opinions and ideas on the role of the mass media in promoting human
rights.

2.1 The Notion of Human Rights

According to UDHR (1948), every person, by virtue of humanity, is entitled to certain natural rights
is the recurring theme throughout the history of mankind. This idea can be traced as far back
thousands of years to landmark historical documents, that include; Covenant on Civil and Political
Rights (ICCPR), the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), the
UN Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), and
UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) among others. While establishing the United
Nation (UN), leaders of the world who met in San Francisco included an important reference to
human rights under the UN charter. The preamble of the UN charter says “We the people of the
United Nations are determined to reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and
worth of human person, in the equal rights of men and women and of nations large and small”.

The preambular reference of human rights under the UN charter was followed up by six additional
references throughout the charter. Further, under article 68 of the Charter, the Economic and Social
Council was required to set up a commission in the human rights area. The outcome was the
establishment of a Commission on Human Rights. The Commission’s first task was to develop
International Bill of Rights. As a first step towards preparing the International Bill of Rights, the
Commission decided to work on a declaration instead of a binding treaty. It also decided that the
declaration should contain both civil and political rights and economic social and cultural rights. The
declaration was viewed as a relatively brief, inspirational and energizing document usable by
ordinary people. It was meant to be the foundation and a cornerstone for the International Bill Rights
(UDHR, 1948).

The commission named the document Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). The
declaration, as identified by one of the main drafters Rene Cassin, has four pillars. These pillars are

7
dignity, liberty, equality and brotherhood. The 27 substantive provisions of the declaration were
divided among these four pillars. With the objective of establishing mechanisms for enforcing the
UDHR, the UN Commission on Human Rights proceeded to draft two treaties: the International
Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social
and Cultural Rights (ICESCR). Together with the Charter of the UN provisions on human rights and
UDHR the two Covenants form the International Bill of Rights. In addition to the International Bill
of Rights, UN promulgated different multilateral human rights instruments dealing with problems
such as genocide, racial discrimination, and discrimination against women, religious intolerance, and
the rights persons with disabilities, freedom from torture, and the rights of the child (UDHR, 1948).

2.2 The Concept of Human Rights Promotion

According to Gasiokwu M.O. (2003), the promotion of human rights can be defined as education,
training and information aiming at building a universal culture of human rights through the sharing
of knowledge, imparting of skills and moulding of attitudes directed to: the strengthening of respect
for human rights and fundamental freedoms; the full development of the human personality and the
sense of its dignity; the promotion of understanding, tolerance, gender equality and friendship
among all nations, indigenous peoples and racial, national, ethnic, religious and linguistic groups;
the enabling of all persons to participate effectively in a free and democratic society governed by the
rule of law; the building and maintenance of peace; the promotion of people centered sustainable
development and social justice and creating awareness about the existence and the promises of
international human rights law. The obligation to promote and ensure the enjoyment of human rights
is the prime responsibility of States, thereby conferring on states responsibility for the human rights
of individuals. Many human rights are owed by States to all people within their territories (Ebgon
M., 1995). Basically, under international human rights law, states have specific obligations to
respect, protect, and fulfill the rights contained in the different human rights treaties. Failure to
perform these obligations constitutes a violation of such rights. According to the UNDP (2000),
practice note details these obligations, which help understand the obligation of States in the
protection of human rights: The obligation to respect requires State Parties to refrain from interfering
with the enjoyment of rights; The obligation to protect requires State Parties to prevent violations of
rights by third parties and The obligation to fulfill requires State Parties to take appropriate
legislative, administrative, budgetary, judicial and other measures toward the full realization of
rights. This includes the obligation to promote human rights.

Primarily, states are expected to create a legal and policy environment for those who are actively
engaged in human rights advocacy and awareness creation (Burton G., 2005). NGOs are commonly
8
known for their activities on the education and training human rights. They usually, among other
activities, train the society on human rights issues, orientation and training courses for civil servants,
including judges, prosecutors, lawyers, media professionals, prison staff, police and security
personnel (Defleur M., 2010). In addition, NGOs are known for their approach for using the mass
media to get their message across. Mostly, they sponsor human rights programs, train media
professionals and support the mass media in logistic and expertise for human rights advocacy works
(Dinku Shimeles, 2009). In addition, to its partnership with NGOs, the mass media itself is known
for its activities in the promotion of human rights. The activities of the mass media in circulating
human rights and related information on the radio, newspapers, television and other mass media;
drama, sports, artistic and cultural events has proved to be effective way of reaching the population
often cut off from human rights discourse (Dinku Shimeles, 2009). These activities of the mass
media facilitate efforts of the state to promote values, beliefs and attitudes that encourage individuals
to uphold their rights and those of others. Promotion of human rights makes an essential contribution
to the prevention of abuses and conflict and helps create a society in which all persons are valued
and respected just because of their humanity (Asemah, E.S., 2011).

Without a widespread culture of human rights, even democracy is not by itself a guarantee of respect
of human rights. It is a general agreement that abuse can only be overcome by information made
possible through freedom of expression (Mbaine A., 2006). As observed by many writers,
governments move slowly except under the pressure of opinion or events and that without an
informed public the effort on behalf of human rights would lose its most important factor. This
observation concludes that the only way governments will be pressured to fulfill their obligations
under human rights instruments is when they have inhabitants informed about the existence of
human rights and the promises it held for everyone (Burton G., 2005). Indeed, an essential
prerequisite for the realization of human rights is popular awareness and support for the universally
accepted human rights norms and standards by each and every individual. Therefore, promoting
human rights at a national level is the most effective option to the full realization of international
human rights law (Craston C., 2000). One of the greatest paradoxes of the progress of human rights
thinking is that many prominent governments, who adopt human rights treaties basically, consider
human rights as only relevant for other countries. The promotion of rights by superpower, mostly, is
a mere formality and poor member states have shown the inability to implement the rights of its
people Gasiokwu M.O. (2003).

According to Eric J. and Thomas E. (1996), the seriousness on human rights has to start from the
proposition that human rights begin at home, that is where infractions are most sensitive and hurtful.

9
A strong human rights culture is a necessary underpinning of an effective regime of human rights.
The development of a moral, legal and spiritual sense of solidarity among all people on the issue of
human rights is a powerful and useful normative architecture to build brighter prospects for the
development of human rights culture. The first step in achieving these goals is to awaken and
transfer the society to the awareness of human rights and make each and every individual part of this
revolution. Information plays an enormous role in this process. If the end product of information is
to be used to transform society, it is essential that the medium content, access, and the timing of the
information and communication together have taken seriously. Under these conditions, it is possible
to create a society aware of its basic and fundamental rights and duties and respect the rights of
others (Eric J. and Thomas E., 1996). The violation of human rights, no matter in which sphere of
life they occur, essentially takes place because ‘human values’ are not recognized in the first place.
Promoting human rights will contribute to the creation of an environment where all people exist
peacefully recognizing each other’s value as a human being.

2.3 The Power, Role and Responsibility of Mass Media in the Promotion of Human Rights

2.3.1 The Power of Mass Media

Media is an all encompassing term referring to the presentation and transmission of information by a
multiplicity of outlets (radio, television, print and the internet), according to Ishay, M (2008). The
power of media is generally symbolic and persuasive, in the sense that it primarily has the potential
to control to some extent the minds of its audience, but not their actions. Except in cases of physical,
coercive force, the control of action, which is usually the ultimate aim of the exercise of power, is
generally indirect, whereas the control of intentions, plans, knowledge, beliefs, or opinions that is,
mental representations that monitor overt activities is presupposed (Craston C., 2000). Therefore, it
is true that the users of media retain some autonomy over the information they receive. In other
words, whatever the symbolic power of the media, at least some media users will generally be able
to resist such persuasion. Practically, media might not tell us what to think but it definitely gives us
what to think about (Dinku Shimeles, 2009). The media, in contemporary world, is the most
important source of information about everything including human rights. This is because, for most
people television, radio and newspapers are their only source of information. As a result, media
possess a power to select issues and events in the world we got to know about, they decide what
constitute news, they filter and frame issues, they contextualize the problem, they set the political
agenda, and they create both the consciousness and on matters that include human rights Gasiokwu
M.O. (2003). They perform this in two ways.

10
The mass media are generators and source of information: under such rubrics reporters gather,
process and present most of the information we receive about everything including human rights. In
addition to just processing information, the media are political and moral agents, deciding to
highlight a particular story, taking clear editorial positions and calling for something to be done.

Mass media are the carriers of information generated by human rights organizations (NGOs,
CSOs, national human right commissions, Ombudsman, treaty bodies etc): they are the most
powerful gatekeepers between these organizations and the wider public. Whether mounting a
campaign on a particular issue or publishing a report about a particular country or appealing for
fund, organizations channel their information through the selective filter of the media.

The media has proved the power it holds in building up public opinion on different subject matters.
“The pen is mightier than the sword” goes an old proverb which has been proved since the advent of
writing and development of media (Burton G., (2005). According to Nickel, J. (2007), the 21st
century media has demonstrated its irresistible power by making and breaking almost everything.
Globalization, the increasing interdependence of states, markets, communications and ideas across
borders, is one of the main features of the contemporary world. For the creation of globalization,
media takes the primary credit. Under the realm of globalization, people around the world are able to
get any information as inexpensive and effortless possible. This increases the power of media in
building ideas and opinions for the majority of the world population (Ishay M., 2008).

2.3.2 The Role and Responsibility of Media in the Promotion of Human Rights

Media, while playing its role as the agent of information shares information at broader level that
actually raises the level of awareness on issues which impact the livelihoods of individuals and their
role in society (Nickel J., 2007). In recent years, it has become visible that media is considering
human rights news and coverage worthy. The media has become interested not only in violation of
human rights but also in the institutional apparatus that has been designed to protect and to promote
human rights (Chambers D., 2000). According to Nickel J., (2007), the primary reason, for the
growing interest of the media on human rights is because many governments and international
institutions have integrated human rights principles in to their policy frame work. Consequently, the
human rights discourse and the human rights law influence directly public policy and diplomatic
relations in a ways not the case until the end of the cold war. As media is interested in such matters,
human rights have become frequent topics of media coverage.

11
Secondly, the media got involved more and more in human rights discourse because of some of the
most serious human rights violations taken place in the context of armed conflict , or have been an
immediate cause of conflict erupting. The media, throughout its history, has paid its close attention
to war and internal armed conflict. With the concept of human rights more familiar, the media has
found it interesting to investigate and reveal violation of human rights (Nickel J., 2007).

The question that occurs repeatedly is if human rights are news in their own terms or whether they
are news only when they are associated with other news. Media professionals always claim they do
not have inherent obligation to prioritize or to privilege human rights issues over others (Chambers
D., 2000). The question for them is always, whether or not human rights issues are newsworthy that
will interest their audiences. Nickel J., (2007), asserts that the decision of whether or not to go with a
story may define an attitude of the media organization towards human rights. Though, the media is
always digging human right violations and covering activities in relation to human rights, this does
not lead to the conclusion that media have a legal obligation to cover and report or promote human
rights to the public. This is because, international human rights law places all the legal duties on
states and creates few or no private duties. In other words human rights are drawn vertically, not
horizontally. Therefore, there is no legal ground to argue that the media has an obligation to promote
human rights. Accordingly, as practice shows, the media mostly involve in human rights and related
issues when they are associated to other factors, like internal conflict, war or diplomatic and political
matters (Chambers D., 2000).

However, there are two main points that are worth mentioning in at this point. First of all, at the
international level, most large media organizations are government owned. This means, states, as
duty bearers of international human rights instruments have the obligation and the opportunity to use
the media as a vehicle in their effort to the promotion and protection of human rights. Second, it is
important to note that everyone has a moral responsibility to engage actively in the enforcement,
protection and promotion of human rights. The preamble of UDHR, for instance, claims this moral
obligation by stating that every individual and every organ of society has to keep the declaration in
mind and shall strive by teaching and education to promote respect for the rights and freedoms
provided under the declaration (UDHR, 1948). This leads to a logical conclusion that, media as an
organ of a society assumes responsibility to contribute to the promotion of human rights. Peace, non-
violence, disarmament, maintenance and promotion of ecological balances and unpolluted
environment and ensuring human rights to all irrespective of caste, colour and creed should be the
minimum common agenda for the media Gasiokwu M.O., (2003). Media is in ideal position to make
people aware of their rights, investigate and expose violations and invite attention to the people and

12
areas in need of protection of human rights and pursue their case till they achieve them (Nickel J.,
2007).

According to Chambers D., (2000), the mass media assume moral responsibilities to; Promote
awareness of human rights. Media has to inform and educate the people about their rights and
suggest ways and means by which they can defend violations and thus empowering them to protect
their rights; Encouraging experts to address and comment the administration and legal affairs of the
specific rights; Investigating and revealing human rights violations and Giving publicity to
individuals and organizations, which are engaged in advocating and securing human rights. These
encourage as well as motivate others to involve in human rights advocacy works. So far, media has
notable contribution in the process of human rights promotion. This is through its several activities,
which include exposing violations of rights and creating a stage to improve the climate of
democratic debate and reduce corruption in public life (Asemah, E.S., 2011). At the same time,
provide reliable information through which citizens, human rights groups, private organizations and
public authorities can work together to promote development and to eliminate arbitrary abuse
(Asemah, E.S., 2011).

2.4 Constraints on the Media Role in the Promotion of Human Rights

Media, as an institution and journalists face several challenges both from the government of the
country where they functions and from their own organizational system on their effort in the
promotion of human rights. According to Chambers D., (2000), Journalists are often criticized to
confuse issues on human rights because of inadequate understanding of the material they are
covering. They have a superficial gasp of the institutional apparatus of human rights. In addition, as
evidenced by what they write or present, many journalists would be hard pressed to explain the
specific human rights let alone the difference between the diverse mechanisms that exist to monitor
adherence to human right treaties or even distinguish between humanitarian and human right law.
Regrettably, especially in countries where the culture of democracy and human rights is young, only
few journalists are able to identify with confidence even half a dozen of the basic rights supported by
UDHR and other international and regional human rights instruments (Ishay M., 2008). Lack of
awareness about human rights by journalists, is one of the major challenges for the effort to promote
human rights (Defleur M., 2010).

Media is considered to be less sensitive on specific human rights and, as a result, miss stories or
dimensions of stories (Burton G., (2005). Especially, economic, social and cultural rights, which are
less visible and slow process by nature, are largely underreported because the media still understand

13
human rights synonyms with civil and political rights (Burton G., (2005). The importance of
economic, social and cultural rights, including the international economy, poverty, inequality and
social and economic discrimination is relatively ignored. This criticism applies particularly to media
coverage of issues that relate to their own governments or other powerful interests in their own
societies (Nickel J., 2007). Media is also held responsible not only for underreporting human rights
issue but also for lack of an actual impact on human rights. In protecting and promoting human
rights, the question is not only whether the public has the information but also to figure out what is
done with this information Chambers D., (2000). Media professionals claim that, it is not up to them
to make sure what is done with the information circulated by them and argue that their only role is to
obtain, verify and make news known (Ebgon M., 1995).

The other main problem of the media is lack of retroactive report especially when covering human
rights violation (Defleur M., 2010). This is particularly true of covering conduct during wars,
because it is always technically difficult and often impossible, to establish facts at the time and
therefore report whether human rights violations were committed, whose rights were violated, or
what could have been done differently. Still, the media deserves credit for its retrospective when
they often fail to get the story right away (Ebgon M., 1995). This can be positive not only for its
advantage to understand the past or to secure justice (Justice delayed is better than justice denied)
but also can be valuable in clarifying contemporary situations.

Last but not least, the media is challenged by strict laws and sometimes abuse from the government.
The most challenging obstacle to the media freedom is the failure of governments to recognize the
role played by independent journalism in the creation, nourishment and development of democracy
and human rights (Nickel J., 2007). This lack of recognition is reflected in the presence of active
censorship or restrictive regulation of journalists, lack of rights of access to official information, a
legal landscape which inhibits the ability of journalists to inquire freely (for instance, the application
of draconian defamation and sedition laws), and the state administration of essential media services,
including broadcasting, printing facilities and distribution systems (Defleur M., 2010).

With all the challenges discussed above, it is worth recognizing that independent minded media have
played a central role in the promotion human rights. Many have put their lives and freedoms at risk
in order to promote dignity to all human beings and transparent and accountable governance. Many
journalists, have been arrested, prosecuted or condemned to heavy fines or prison terms as a result of
their effort to contribute to the promotion of human rights.

14
 CHAPTER THREE:

METHODOLOGY

3.0 Introduction

This chapter outlines the methods that were adopted in order to answer the research questions
detailed in chapter one. It elaborates the research design, research population, sampling techniques,
data collection instruments and procedure of data collection, mode of data analysis and presentation
as well as ethical consideration and limitations of the study.

3.1 Research Design

The research was a descriptive cross sectional survey design where data was collected from a cross
the population at one point in time. This design is cheap, less time consuming and easy data
collection and analysis (Amin, 2005). Both qualitative and quantitative data collected was used to
gain an understanding of underlying reasons, opinions, and motivations, providing insights into the
problem and uncover trends in thought and opinions, and dive deeper into the problem.

3.2 Research Population

The target population of this study was consisting of both print and radio media professionals from
different mass media houses in Soroti municipality, including; news writers, reporters, and radio
presenters, who work for various mass media outlets such as news papers, magazines and radio
stations.

Table 3.1: Showing the Population of the Study

Respondents Population Sample

Print media professionals 250 148
Radio media professionals 150 108
Total 400 256
Source: Adopted From Krejcie and Morgan Table (1970)

3.3 Sampling Procedures

The study employed stratified sampling method to select the media professionals working in
different mass media outlets in Soroti municipality working as; news writers, reporters, and radio
presenters. The procedure was used to select participants based on internal knowledge of said
characteristic.
15
3.4 Sample Size

The sample size was calculated using the Krejcie and Morgan Table (1970) for determining sample
size and this gave a practical ratio according to the population size. Krejice and Morgan’s sampling
principle of the bigger the study population the smaller the sample size and the smaller the study
population the bigger the sample size was employed.

Table 3.2: Showing the Sample for the Study

Adjusted Sampling
Respondents Population Sample Model
Sample Method
Stratified Krejice and
Print media professionals 250 148 120
sampling Morgan
Stratified Krejice and
Radio media professionals 150 108 80
sampling Morgan
Total 400 256 200
Source: Adopted From Krejcie and Morgan Table (1970)

3.5 Sources of Data

Data sources included both primary and secondary sources as recommended by (Amin, 2005).

3.5.1 Primary Data

For primary data the researcher used self administered questionnaire (SAQ) and Key Informant
Interviews. Questionnaires were considered an efficient data collection mechanism as the researcher
knew exactly what was required and how to measure the variables of interest.

3.5.2 Secondary Data

The researcher also collected data from printed materials such as books, reports and government
journals from reliable sources which will be used to further justify and confirm data gathering from
the field. A cross section of documents containing pertinent data was adequately synthesized and
analyzed to sieve out related information to the phenomenon under investigation.

3.6 Data Collection Methods (DCMs)

The researcher used Self Administered Questionnaires (SAQ) and Semi-structured Key Informant
Interviews (KII) as methods of data collection.

16
3.6.1 Self Administered Questionnaire (SAQ)

Questionnaire is a list of carefully structured question chosen after considerable testing with a view
of eliciting reliable responses from chosen sample (Bryman A., 2008). The choice of a questionnaire
is justified by the fact that is the single best tool in collecting quantitative data from a big number of
respondents. The SAQ will provide information based on facts and opinion, as the respondents will
fill themselves; others will be administered physically by the researcher and the respondents will
give answers as the researcher fills in the questionnaire depending on their literacy (Anol, B. 2012).
This method proved useful due high literacy rates and majority of respondents were co-operative.

3.6.2 Key Informant Interview (KII)

As a research method, an interview is a conversation carried out with the definite purpose of
obtaining certain information by means of the spoken word (Amin, 2005). Semi-structured interview
guide was formulated where specific questions was asked to all Key Informants. This was done to
allow the researcher to thoroughly probe and enlist as much pertinent data as possible. Interviews are
superior to other tools because they are flexible (Wimmer R. and Dominick J., 2000).

3.7 Validity and Reliability of Research Instruments

In order to control quality of the data, the researcher after designing the tools carried out a pre-test to
find out the reliability of the research tools, which were then used for collecting the data from the
field.

3.7.1 Validity of Research Instruments

The validity of research instruments was investigated using sampling validity. The choice of these
instruments was that, it contained all possible items that were used in measuring the concepts.
Content Validity Index (CVI) was used to establish the validity of the SAQ. CVI will be measured as
items rated 3 or 4 by both judges divided by the total number of items in the questionnaire (Bryman
A., 2008); a CVI of 0.8 was obtained and was considered as acceptable.

3.7.2 Reliability of Research Instruments

Reliability is a measure of the degree to which a research instrument yields consistent results after
repeated trials (Amin, 2005). Reliability of research instrument will be determined using test re-test
technique. Test re-test Reliability was used to find the degree to which scores on the same test by the
same individuals would be consistent over time (Amin, 2005). The choice for this technique is that, it
provided evidence that scores obtained on a test at one time (test) were the same or close to the same

17
when the test was re-administered some other time (re-test). Reliability was done by administering
the test to an appropriate group of subjects.

3.8 Ethical Considerations

The researcher undertook the study in an ethical manner, by adhering to accepted standards of good
practice in research ethics. The following ethical considerations were ensured during the course of
this study:

The researcher obtained permission from the relevant authorities to carry out the study i.e. at
UMCAT Institute of Journalism and Mass Communication, Soroti District Local Government and
the respective Media houses in Soroti municipality.

The Researcher ensured confidentiality of respondents as an ethical measure so as to prevent cases

of psychological stress and attacks on respondents especially after research in connection to
information they provided for this study.

The information that was provided by respondents was presented without revealing their true
identity.

The researcher sought consent of the respondents before embarking on data collection. This was
done so as to allow respondents to participate in this study freely and at their own will.

3.10 Data Analysis and Interpretation

The raw data collected was coded, analyzed and interpreted manually in order to attach meaning
from the raw data collected. The descriptive approach was used for qualitative forms of data. The
researcher analyzed quantitative data from questionnaires using descriptive statistics, whereby data
collected was subjected to frequencies and percentages, because it was easy to interpret, understand
and compare frequencies (Amin, 2005).

3.12 Limitations to the Study

The study experienced challenges that hindered its smooth running and completion. These included;

Unpredictable harsh weather conditions such as; rain or too much heat which affected the mobility
of the researcher

18
It was relatively hard to find the right respondents willing to provide accurate required information.
The researcher looked ahead to unreliable respondents who would give false information or refused
to cooperate at all and officials who would not cooperate in giving reliable information

The research was tire some because it quite a challenge to fix the researchers data collection plans in
to the plans of respondents who were always busy doing their public or private work.

Being research done at urban level, the researcher found a situation where some respondents
ultimately refused to provide information by returning their SAQs and their reservations were
upheld.

19
 CHAPTER FOUR:
PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION OF STUDY FINDINGS

4.0 Introduction
This chapter of the research report presents the findings based on the objectives of the study. The
chapter contains: bio data of the respondents and the responses on the basis of the research
objectives.

4.1 Bio Data of respondents

The background information and socio-demographic characteristics of respondents comprised of;
gender, age group, marital status, education level, type of media professional, and years of
experience as a media professional.

4.1.1 Response rate of respondents

The questionnaires distributed to the respondents were 200. Despite all that the potential respondents
received the questionnaires, those whose questionnaires were returned were 176. Therefore, the
findings in this study are computed from 176 respondents, giving a response rate was 88%.

4.1.2 Gender of respondents

Table 4.1 below presents the gender distribution of the respondents.
Table 4.1: Showing Gender of the respondents
Gender Frequency Percentage (%)
Male 92 52
Female 84 48
Total 176 100
Source: Primary data 2019
The results in table 4.1 indicates that 92 (52%) of the respondents were males and 84 (48%) were
females. This denotes that comparatively, few females participated in the study but gender sensitive.

4.1.3 Age group of the respondents

Table 4.2 below presents the age group of the respondents
Table 4.2: Showing Age of the respondents
Age Group (Years) Frequency Percentage (%)
15–30 55 31
31–40 76 43
41–50 33 19
51+ 12 7
Total 176 100
Source: Primary data 2019
20
The above findings in table 4.2 reveal that majority of the respondents i.e. 76 (43%) were in the age
range 31-40 years while 55 (31%) were in the age range 15-30, 33 (19%) were in the age range 41-
50, and 12 (7%) were in the age range of 51 years above. It implied that the all categories of
respondents participated in the study that is, the young and the old however; the teenage and youth
were more than the elderly. The information was then reliable and conclusive.

4.1.4 Marital status of the respondents

Table 4.3 below presents the marital status of the respondents

Table 4.3: Showing marital status of the respondents

Marital Frequency Percentage (%)
Single 53 30
Married 70 40
Divorced 35 20
Widowed 18 10
Total 176 100
Source: Primary data 2019

The table 4.3 above indicates that majority of the respondents, 70 (40%) were married. The high
response depicts the fact that married people were always old, mature and responsible enough to
present real and reliable facts. 53 (30%) of the respondents were single, 35 (20%) were divorced,
and the least response came from the widowed 18 (10%) of the respondents, it depicting that the
information was balanced.

4.1.5 Education level of respondents

Table 4.4 below presents the level of education of the respondents

Table 4.4: Showing the level of education of the respondents

Education level Frequency Percentage (%)
Certificate 46 26
Diploma 60 34
Bachelor Degree 68 39
Post graduate 2 1
Total 176 100
Source: Primary data 2019

The table 4.4 above indicates that majority of the respondents 68 (39%) were Bachelor Degree
holders, 60 (34%) were Diploma level holders, 46 (26%) were Certificate level holders and 02
21
(01%) had post graduate qualifications. The un-evenly education level posits that the respondents
were knowledgeable enough to give factual information.

4.2 Media Knowledge and Experience in Promotion of Human Rights

This section enlightens the existence of media promotion of Human Rights in Soroti Municipality, it
highlights; the professional media categories existing in the municipality, the respondents’
experience in the mass media profession, the respondents’ possession of human rights training and
discourse, the categories/types of human rights promoted, the availability of programmes dedicated
to human rights issues by mass media houses in the municipality, the outcomes of media promotion
of human rights and the challenges the media encounters in promoting and creating awareness of
human rights in Soroti municipality.

4.2.1 Professional media category of the respondents

Table 4.5 below presents the professional media category of the respondents

Table 4.5: Showing professional media category of the respondents

Professional Media Category Frequency Percentage (%)
Print media professional 70 40
Radio media professional 106 60
Total 176 100
Source: Primary data 2019

The results in table 4.5 indicates that 106 (60%) of the respondents were radio media professional
and 70 (40%) were print media professional. This indicates that comparatively, few print media
professionals participated in the study but was sensitive to both categories of media professionals.

4.2.2 Media profession experience of the respondents

Table 4.6 below presents the media profession experience of the respondents

Table 4.6: Showing media experience of the respondents

Media Profession Experience (Years) Frequency Percentage (%)
1–3 37 21
4–6 63 36
7–10 57 32
10+ 19 11
Total 176 100
Source: Primary data 2019

22
Table 4.6 above reveals that majority of the respondents i.e. 63 (36%) possessed media professional
experience in the age range 4-6 years while 57 (32%) were in the age range 7-10, 37 (21%) were in
the age range 1-3, and 19 (11%) had media professional experience in the age range 10 years above.
It implied that all the respondents who participated in the study possessed considerable media
professional experience to provide reliable information. The information was then reliable and
conclusive.

4.2.3 Respondents possession of Human Rights training

Table 4.7 below presents the respondents possession of Human Rights training

Table 4.7: Showing the respondents possession of Human Rights training

Possession of Human Rights Training Frequency Percentage (%)
Yes 121 69
No 55 31
Total 176 100
Source: Primary data 2019

The results in table 4.7 indicates that 121 (69%) of the respondents possessed formal training on
promotion of Human Rights and 55 (31%) did not possess any formal training on promotion of
Human Rights, indicating that majority of the respondents’ possessed formal training on promotion
of Human Rights and were able to provide factual information regarding the promotion of Human
Rights.

4.2.4 Consideration of Human Rights promotion issues in news reporting

Table 4.8 below presents consideration of Human Rights promotion issues in news reporting and
editing by the respondents

Table 4.8: Showing the respondents consideration of Human Rights issues in news reporting
Consideration of Human Rights Promotion Issues Frequency Percentage (%)
Aware 151 86
Not Aware 25 14
Total 176 100
Source: Primary data 2019

The results in table 4.8 indicates that 151 (86%) of the respondents were aware of the consideration
of Human Rights promotion issues in news reporting and editing while 25 (14%) were not aware of
any consideration of Human Rights promotion issues in news reporting and editing, indicating that

23
majority of the respondents’ considered the promotion of Human Rights in news reporting and
editing and were able to provide reliable information regarding the promotion of Human Rights.

4.2.5 Categories of Human Rights promoted in Soroti Municipality

Table 4.9 below presents categories of Human Rights promoted by the respondents in Soroti
Municipality

Table 4.9: Showing categories of Human Rights promoted by the respondents

Category of Human Rights Frequency Percentage (%)
Civil and Political Rights 42 24
Economic, Social and Cultural Rights 55 31
Group (Child, Women, PWD) Rights 74 42
Not Known 5 3
Total 176 100
Source: Primary data 2019

The table 4.9 above indicates that majority of the respondents 74 (42%) mostly considered the
promotion of group rights such as; Child rights, Women rights and PWD rights, 55 (31%)
considered the promotion of economic, social and cultural rights, 42 (24%) considered the
promotion of civil and political rights, while 5 (3%) had no knowledge of the categories of human
rights promoted.

4.2.6 Availability of Media Programmes dedicated to Human Rights Promotion

Table 4.10 below presents the availability of media programmes dedicated to the promotion of
Human Rights by the respondents

Table 4.10: Showing availability of media programmes dedicated to Human Rights promotion
Availability of Dedicated Programmes to Human Rights Frequency Percentage (%)
Promotion
Yes 128 73
No 46 27
Total 176 100
Source: Primary data 2019

The results in table 4.10 above indicates that a majority of the respondents 128 (73%) confirmed the
availability of media programmes dedicated to the promotion of Human Rights whereas 46 (27%)
did not confirm the availability of media programmes dedicated to the promotion of Human Rights,
indicating that majority of the respondents’ media houses made available media programmes
dedicated towards the promotion of Human Rights.
24
4.3 Barriers to Promotion of Human Rights in Soroti Municipality

This section explores the barriers / challenges the media encounters in the discourse of human rights
in Soroti municipality and the evaluation of outcomes of mass media promotion of human rights in
the municipality.

4.3.1 Respondents’ Barriers to Promotion of Human Rights in Soroti Municipality

Table 4.11 below presents barriers to the promotion of Human Rights by the respondents in Soroti
Municipality

Table 4.9: Showing barriers of Human Rights promotion by the respondents

Barriers to Human Rights Promotion Frequency Percentage (%)
Financial Problems 58 33
Lack of Awareness 74 42
Legal Barriers 44 25
Total 176 100
Source: Primary data 2019

The table 4.9 above indicates that majority of the respondents 74 (42%) were in agreement that lack
of awareness regarding human rights was a major barrier, thus affecting the eventual promotion of
human rights in their communities, 58 (33%) considered the financial problems as a barrier to human
rights promotion, while 44 (25%) noted legal barriers as a challenge to human rights promotion.

4.3.1 Outcomes of Human Rights Promotion by Media in Soroti Municipality

Table 4.11 below presents outcomes of Human Rights promotion by the respondents in Soroti
Municipality

Table 4.9: Showing outcomes of Human Rights promotion by the respondents

Outcomes of Human Rights Promotion Frequency Percentage (%)
Very Good 86 49
Good 58 33
Poor 32 18
Total 176 100
Source: Primary data 2019

The table 4.9 above indicates that majority of the respondents 86 (49%) were in agreement that the
outcomes of Human Rights promotion by the media are Very Good, 58 (33%) confirm that the
outcomes of Human Rights promotion by the media are considerably Good, while 32 (18%) regret
that the outcomes of Human Rights promotion by the media are still Poor.
25
 CHAPTER FIVE:

DISCUSSION OF RESEARCH FINDINGS

5.0 Introductions

This chapter presents the discussions of the major findings under research objectives thus
interpretations of the study findings.

5.1 Respondents’ Bio Data

The background information and socio-demographic characteristics of respondents comprised of;
gender, age group, marital status, education level, type of media professional, and years of
experience as a media professional.

5.1.1 Response rate of respondents

The questionnaires distributed to the respondents were 200. Despite all that the potential respondents
received the questionnaires, those whose questionnaires were returned were 176. Therefore, the
findings in this study are computed from 176 respondents, giving a response rate was 88%. The high
response rate was attributed to the fact that most of the respondents were literate and solely had a
conviction that as journalist, they were surely mandated to champion the promotion of human rights
in their profession. The century in which we are living is concurrent with a great revolution that man
has ever seen. It is the age of communications and that of the media dominance on the humans’ lives
(Nickel, J. 2007).

5.1.2 Gender of respondents

The results in table 4.1 indicated that 92 (52%) of the respondents were males and 84 (48%) were
females. This denotes that comparatively, few females participated in the study but gender sensitive.
This implies that much as more males still dominate the journalism and mass communication
profession, there have been tremendous efforts by nations to encourage gender balance in education
and workplaces that have resulted in many females being emancipated and educated in different
professional spheres, thus the increasingly populace of female journalists in this era than before.

5.1.3 Age group of the respondents

Table 4.2 reveal that majority of the respondents i.e. 76 (43%) were in the age range 31-40 years
while 55 (31%) were in the age range 15-30, 33 (19%) were in the age range 41-50, and 12 (7%)
were in the age range of 51 years above. It implied that the all categories of respondents participated
26
in the study that is, the young and the old however; the teenage and youth were more than the
elderly. The information was then reliable and conclusive.

5.1.4 Marital status of the respondents

Table 4.3 indicated that majority of the respondents, 70 (40%) were married. The high response
depicts the fact that married people were always old, mature and responsible enough to present real
and reliable facts. 53 (30%) of the respondents were single, 35 (20%) were divorced, and the least
response came from the widowed 18 (10%) of the respondents, it depicted that the information was
balanced.

5.1.5 Education level of the respondents

Table 4.4 indicated that majority of the respondents 68 (39%) were Bachelor Degree holders, 60
(34%) were Diploma level holders, 46 (26%) were Certificate level holders and 02 (01%) had post
graduate qualifications. The implication of the un-evenly respondents’ education levels posited that
the respondents were knowledgeable enough to give factual information.

5.2 Media Knowledge and Experience in Promotion of Human Rights

This section enlightened the existence of media promotion of Human Rights in Soroti Municipality,
it highlighted on; the professional media categories existing in the municipality, the respondents’
experience in the mass media profession, the respondents’ possession of human rights training and
discourse, the categories/types of human rights promoted, the availability of programmes dedicated
to human rights issues by mass media houses in the municipality, the outcomes of media promotion
of human rights and the challenges the media encounters in promoting and creating awareness of
human rights in Soroti municipality.

5.2.1 Professional media category of the respondents

Table 4.5 indicated that 106 (60%) of the respondents were radio media professional and 70 (40%)
were print media professional. This indicated that comparatively, few print media professionals
participated in the study but was considerate to both categories of media professionals. The present
age is called “communication age”. In other words, because of the existence and application of mass
media whose influence and effects are increasing, they have developed a new form and have
overshadowed the developments within the human societies. According to McQuail, D. (2000), the
level of using the new media includes communication satellites, large news agencies, press and
numerous radio and Television stations as well as Internet sites, for they cut across geographical
27
borders with the least cost and target minds and the way people think in other countries. In such a
way today such media for the colonial powers are of high importance for consolidating and fixing
the cultural and political domination and are regarded effective tools for capturing identity and
public opinion (BBC, 2002). With the status the mass media and communication tools have found
from the birth of man till his death in the modern life, they could be categorized in the social
institutions and be regarded as major effective factors in the process of the accepting norms, social
values and socialization (Saeedi R, Asgharkia A. 2006). People usually learn values, norms, beliefs,
inclinations as well as behavioural theses from the others and through the process of the social
education and socialization or within the various frameworks of the social, recognized and
institutionalized values (Lauren, G 2003).

The combination of advanced computers, the Internet, digital technology and fibre-optic cables has
transformed the range of options available to consumers at home and in business. Once the
infrastructure is in place, video communication and other services become feasible at relatively low
additional costs and a vast array of programmes can be accessed flexibly. Domestic and professional
lifestyles will change, generating important economic consequences. New multimedia technologies
will make it even easier to find, collect and exchange information of all kinds. Where people could
not make judgements in the past because they lacked information, increasingly they are now
overwhelmed by the amount of information to which they have access (Chambers D, 2000). A
renowned local newspaper columnist affirmed that;

In coming years, the highest need will not be to find information but to make good
judgements about what information is useful and what conclusions may be drawn from it.

The print media approaches matters on human rights under its regular articles by employing expert
opinions and explaining and justifying the matters in light of national and international human rights
laws. Accordingly, the rights in question under the articles on human rights explain, argue, comment
and criticize the rights in light of the government actions taken towards the enforcement and
protection of human rights (Gasiokwu M.O., 2003).

5.2.2 Media profession experience of the respondents

Table 4.6 revealed that majority of the respondents i.e. 63 (36%) possessed media professional
experience in the age range 4-6 years while 57 (32%) were in the age range 7-10, 37 (21%) were in
the age range 1-3, and 19 (11%) had media professional experience in the age range 10 years above.
It implied that all the respondents who participated in the study possessed considerable media
professional experience to provide reliable information. The information was then reliable and
28
conclusive. Unfortunately, as discussed in chapter two of this study, even at the international level,
journalists are often criticized for their inadequate and sometimes misguided understanding of
human rights. In fact, lack of competence of the journalists in human rights is one of the major
challenges for the effort of promoting human rights through the main stream media (Freeman, M.
2002). One radio station news editor quoted that;

The role of a journalist is to report news and issues. Most journalists do not believe –
correctly – that they have a duty to privilege reporting of human rights issues. Adding that;

… the role of media in reporting human rights violations is so important because it increases
public awareness and provokes actions to ensure better protection of human rights, including
accountability.

5.2.3 Respondents possession of Human Rights training

Table 4.7 indicated that 121 (69%) of the respondents possessed formal training on promotion of
Human Rights and 55 (31%) did not possess any formal training on promotion of Human Rights,
indicating that majority of the respondents’ possessed formal training on promotion of Human
Rights and were able to provide factual information regarding the promotion of Human Rights. In
reality, the majority of journalists who are working at the current media organizations possess the
necessary competence to work on and cover human rights issues.

As reviewed from the literature, Chambers D, (2000) asserts that; only those who are aware of their
rights are able to defend it. Knowledge about basic human rights builds confidence in claiming those
rights, self-respect and respect for others. In addition, when the media is free to reveal human rights
violations, it will enhance the confidence of individuals that violations will not go unpunished. The
findings are also consistent with findings of Ishay, M (2008) which indicated that the media
involvement has a great deterrence effect on both the government and any other body who may have
an intention or a plan to violate human rights. For that matter, the media will play a great role in
supporting the role of the government in the enforcement, protection and promotion of international
human rights law. Interviewed local radio station manager consented that;

It’s the Radio Station management policy to routinely train our staff in Human Rights
Protection and Promotion which gives them (journalists) an opportunity to deal with critical
human rights issues and thought them how to investigate violations of human rights and
approach its promotion and education through the media. The consequence of this is that

29
 major media organizations do spend enough energy and resource human rights and related
matters and prepare programs devoted to human rights.

While a visibly frustrated Radio Station Manager noted;

The promotion of human rights through the media is challenged by lack of adequate
knowledge and understanding of both national and international human rights laws by the
journalists. It is not logical or, for that matter, ethical to expect journalists to cover and
promote subjects they do not know or understand.

This criticism remains to be true for the journalists of Ugandan media institutions. The media
professionals often take the blame for lack of competence and awareness about international and
national human rights law. This, not only affects their coverage of human rights, but also the effort
of different actors including national human rights institutions to promote and educate the public
about human rights (Craston, C. 2000). Both the Ugandan Institution of Ombudsman and Uganda
Human Rights Commission (UHCR) complains saying that journalists do not understand the concept
of human rights and this creates a uncertainty on the quality of the broadcast and the publications of
the perspective Institutions (Chambers D, 2000). These, among other factors, is mainly a
consequence of almost non-existing training opportunities at the institutional level and absence of
proper human rights courses at journalism schools. The Makerere University is the main producer of
journalists to the current media institutions in the country, (NCHE, 2017) complimented by other
public and private universities and tertiary institutes such as UMCAT Institute of Journalism and
Mass Communication as the main producer of journalists in Teso Sub Region; Soroti municipality
inclusive. The School gives its students several courses indirectly related to human rights. These
courses include; civics, media and democracy, media law and media ethics (www.umcat.ac.ug).
However, the accreditation courses common in journalism include; media and human rights, gender
and media, children’s rights and the media, etc

5.2.4 Consideration of Human Rights promotion issues in news reporting

Table 4.8 indicated that 151 (86%) of the respondents were aware of the consideration of Human
Rights promotion issues in news reporting and editing while 25 (14%) were not aware of any
consideration of Human Rights promotion issues in news reporting and editing, indicating that
majority of the respondents’ considered the promotion of Human Rights in news reporting and
editing and were able to provide reliable information regarding the promotion of Human Rights.
Ongoing research shows that there are two main points of intersection between the worlds of the
media and human rights. One is the considerable degree of overlap of subject matter between the
30
two areas. Much of reporting concerns matters that directly or indirectly have a human rights
content. The other is the fact that freedom of the media is itself a human right. The media are
regarded conventionally as one of the mechanisms by which citizens hold their governments to
account (Steiner H. 2007). One interviewed radio reporter noted that;

Free media are the source and root of a living civil society, it is the media together with civil
society that brings human rights abuses out into the open and forces governments to honour
their commitments to human rights.

While a national newspaper article writer complained that;

Residents do not have access to information and civil society can hardly do anything to
change this situation,” he said. “I hope people are granted access to information so that the
gap between people and government closes.

On the other hand, a local newspaper columnist accentuated that;

Mostly, the private press interprets all the stories in the government media as propaganda
while the government looks at the independent press with great scepticism, to the point of
calling it an enemy of the people. This affects the quality of the information the society
receives from both media institutions.

5.2.5 Categories of Human Rights promoted in Soroti Municipality

Table 4.9 indicated that majority of the respondents 74 (42%) mostly considered the promotion of
group rights such as; Child rights, Women rights and PWD rights, 55 (31%) considered the
promotion of economic, social and cultural rights, 42 (24%) considered the promotion of civil and
political rights, while 5 (3%) had no knowledge of the categories of human rights promoted. As
reviewed by the literature in chapter two of this paper, the media in general takes an interest in
human rights when the matter is related to internal conflicts, war and diplomatic relations of states.
In addition, media tends to highlights human rights when their institutional apparatus is in question.
In the process, human rights of specific groups are often highlighted by the media especially when
there is a massive violation (Craston, C. 2000). The media institutions in Soroti municipality follow
the same trend by discussing the rights of women and children whenever notable violations or
activities with regard to it occur. There are also regular trends by the media in covering the human
rights of specific groups for the purpose of creating awareness. Especially, the human rights of
women, children and nations, nationalities and people are often discussed and promoted in light of

31
the Ugandan Constitution and international human rights instruments like CRC, CEDAW, ICCPR
and ICESCR.

At the international mass media, civil and political rights are the most addressed and often reported
rights. The media is even criticized for using civil and political rights and human rights as
interchangeable terms (Freeman, M. 2002). However, in Uganda, with exception of election times,
civil and political rights are usually unreported. Under the umbrella of developmental journalism,
especially government owned media institutions focus more of their time and energy on
socioeconomic matters. In Soroti municipality cultural rights and group rights are comparatively
better addressed than civil and political rights (Field Data, 2019). As a result, it’s not common for
the public to encounter programs with aim to create awareness on civil and political rights. A Voice
of Teso FM Radio reporter commented that;

Fear of safety by the journalists this is the main reason for underreporting of civil and
political rights in Soroti municipality and the country as a whole, especially after the several
incidents of the 2016 general election, private media institutions take civil and political
rights to be risky.

The 2016 general election, probably the highest pick of the media to involve in human rights
promotion, contribute a lot for the avoidance of civil and political rights by journalists especially for
those working in the private press. At the 2016 general election, a number of journalists and editors
have been imprisoned for various reasons. Demonstration after the election caused at least fifteen
editors, journalists and media owners being imprisoned for alleged treason, though they were
acquitted. This makes the private press very suspicious of the reaction of the government for
covering human rights especially when they are related to civil and political rights (Dijk T. 2007). In
spite of this effort, the need of the country and the massive extent of human rights violations
especially on women and children require additional measures to be taken by the media. For
example, Uganda is, at present, one the countries where a large number of women and children
suffer from different types of abuses and exploitation as a result of poverty and gender inequality
(Wimmer R. and Dominick J. 2000). In addition, early marriage, Harmful Traditional Practices
(HTPs) particularly on Female Gentile Mutilation (FGM), defilement, inequality of women and child
labour abuses are the prominent practices in the country (Eric J. and Thomas E., 1996).

In order to contribute towards the prevention of these massive and brutal human rights violations on
women and children, the media has to crop up with effective plan to bring behavioural change of the
public. One of the most effective strategies of addressing these problems is engagement of the media

32
with governmental and nongovernmental organizations whose objective is advocating the rights of
women and children. So far, as already discussed, national human rights institutions are
collaborating with the media for such purpose. In addition to the activities with national human
rights institutions, the media is engaged with non-governmental actors whose purpose is advocating
the human rights of specific groups including women and children. In this instance, it is appropriate
to note the collaboration of the media with The AIDS Support Organization (TASO). TASO is an
exemplary NGO working for behavioural change in Uganda. The Center especially focuses on
creating awareness on health related matters like HIV/AIDS, family planning, HTPs especially on
FGM, discrimination based on gender, and child abuse. These are directly relevant in awareness
creation of human rights of women and children who continued to be victims of the mentioned
violations (www.taso.org).

5.2.6 Availability of Media Programmes dedicated to Human Rights Promotion

Table 4.10 indicated that a majority of the respondents 128 (73%) confirmed the availability of
media programmes dedicated to the promotion of Human Rights whereas 46 (27%) did not confirm
the availability of media programmes dedicated to the promotion of Human Rights, indicating that
majority of the respondents’ media houses made available media programmes dedicated towards the
promotion of Human Rights. Both the broadcast and print media cover human rights in the course of
their news, regular programs, special coverage on contemporary issues and on programs and articles
prepared in collaboration with national human rights institutions and nongovernmental actors. In this
research we sought responses on the question of availability of media programmes dedicated to the
promotion of human rights. One interviewed local newspaper editor noted that;

Every now and then, human rights make a highlight of media coverage. Whenever the media
considers the matters related to human rights are news worthy the news hour of the
broadcast media and front pages of the print media report and discuss human rights.
Particularly, media highlights human rights when there are activities related to politics like
election, massive human rights violation like famine, internal conflict and activities of
international and national human rights institutions and nongovernmental actors like annual
and irregular meetings, annual reports, fund raising or allocating and awareness creation
programs.

Aupa Akwap is a weekly programme on local FM radio station Voice of Teso FM Radio which
exclusively focuses on legal issues with an objective of making the society conscious about the
rights and duties provided under different national laws. The programme airs, among other legal and

33
policy topics, matters related to human rights. It uses constitutionally guaranteed human rights as a
reference for its programmes. The programme answers critical legal and policy related questions
with expert opinions and explanations which sometimes address questions and discussions relevant
to human rights.

In addition to the news, Kyoga Veritas FM Radio, for instance, conducts special coverage
which is broadcasted whenever there is an issue that does not fail in its regular programs or
urgent by nature. Such programs are devoted in promoting, discussing, commenting or
criticizing the contemporary matter relevant to human rights.

The programmes on children and women also address several human rights issues. For example the
The Childrens’ Programmme known as The aired on Delta FM Radio presents entertaining and
educative programs for children about the right to education, health, human dignity and other rights
provided for children under the constitution and CRC, like the right to get a name, the right to know
and cared for by ones parents etc. The weekly radio drama programme known as The Kikomera aired
on Kyoga Veritas FM Radio also addresses and educates about harmful traditional practices, gender
based violence and empowerment of women both economically, socially and psychologically.
Several discussions have been held by the program on the pros and cons of affirmative action,
empowerment of women, harmful traditional practices including; early marriage, the role of women
in the family and many other socio-economic problems of women and their solutions.

The print media, in addition to their news coverage, address human rights on their weekly articles on
politics, economy, business, women and free opinions of their readers. For instance, a regular article
about women known as Full Woman printed weekly every Wednesday on The New Vision
Newspaper, raise issues related to equality, economic and social empowerment of women,
affirmative action, harmful traditional practices especially Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and
early marriage and the general socio-economic status and day today life of Ugandan women. The
articles comment, criticize and evaluate the pros and cons of the laws, policies and regulations
affecting women (www.newvision.co.ug).

The articles of The Monitor Newspaper on society and culture also address problems and
constructive aspects of societal and cultural setups of the community. The newspaper, occasionally,
publishes about matters related to social and cultural rights of the society, like the right to education,
health, religion the right to use ones language and the right to practice once culture. The business
and economy articles of The Monitor Newspaper usually evolve on the countries current economic
and business situations. They raise the economic problems of the society and try to come up with a

34
solution. The articles question the country’s economic development comparing with the current
living standard of the people (www.monitor.co.ug).

The print media also devotes its front page whenever there is news worthy event or
occurrences related to human rights. Most national newspapers follow this trend as a means
of approaching the promotion of human rights.

The New Vision Newspaper publishes free opinions of the society on different economic, social,
political and cultural issues of the country. Especially, this Opinions page offers professionals on
different disciplines to raise questions and contribute solutions for problems of the country. New
laws and policies, human rights violations and the positive and negative aspects of the activities of
the country are commented, criticized and appreciated in this section of the newspaper. All the
articles are written by their perspective professionals and especially articles related to women,
economy, and politics are left to those who have law, economics and political science background
(www.newvision.co.ug).

The regular articles on Ateso local language The Etop Newspaper also, one way or another raise
issues relevant to human rights. Once a week, the The Etop Newspaper publishes articles on politics,
business and economics, society, women and law. In addition, Akoru na Itabari, and Ikaalia, are
newspaper columns mostly revolves on the social, economic, cultural and political life of the
country. The articles on politics, business and economics are well known for discussing critical legal
and policy matters. These articles raise numerous debatable questions which sporadically are related
to human rights (www.etop.co.ug).

5.3 Barriers to Promotion of Human Rights in Soroti Municipality

To elaborate on this objective, the respondents’ responses were tabulated and the findings
summarized in frequencies and percentages, as discussed as follows;

5.3.1 Respondents’ Barriers to Promotion of Human Rights

Table 4.9 indicated that majority of the respondents 74 (42%) were in agreement that lack of
awareness regarding human rights was a major barrier, thus affecting the eventual promotion of
human rights in their communities, 58 (33%) considered the financial problems as a barrier to human
rights promotion, while 44 (25%) noted legal barriers as a challenge to human rights promotion.
Journalists have an opinion that lack of awareness on the matter created financial problem at the
media organizations to prepare programs devoted to human rights. This is because, the budges of
media organizations are already allocated to other programs since human rights are not primary
35
consideration (Steiner H. (2007). Even now, in a time when the media is relatively free and both
private and government media are comparatively accessible, the engagement of the media in the
promotion of human rights is not as much as one might expect it (Chambers D, 2000). Most of the
private newspapers do not cover the basic human rights that citizens are supposed to know. The
government media is also critiqued for being indolent when it comes to promoting fundamental
human rights (UNHCR, 2012).

Eric J. and Thomas E., (1996) emphasizes that understanding the importance of human rights
awareness, media institutions sometimes take the initiation to train and hire staffs with adequate
human rights knowledge. In this case, the exemplary practice of the journalism is worth mentioning.
Although, the journalists currently working for the newspaper do not have training on human rights
the newspaper has a practice of hiring staffs with background of law, economics and political
science with a qualification of writing and editing articles and news related to human rights.

One interviewed newspaper journalist noted that … the pressure to attract reader interest
and to respond to the most topical and controversial issues overpower any priority that might
be placed on comprehensive human rights coverage.

Another interviewed radio journalist noted that … the notion that news organizations do not
have the inherent obligation to report every aspect of human rights; they only choose what to
report, as they have no duty to privilege human rights stories over other stories. Journalists
believe they have interest in human rights reporting as long as the stories are newsworthy!

While an interviewed radio station manager noted that … I think our radio programmes, both
in current affairs and in news more generally – have a reputation for fairness, balance and
objectivity. That is our weapon. If by revealing what others might wish to keep secret we can
show injustice where it occurs then people can have the knowledge they need to decide what
needs to be done. It is not our job to engineer or instigate change. If people/institutions or
governments are breaking the law then we should bring them to public attention. What
happens next is up to others.

5.3.1 Outcomes of Human Rights Promotion by Media in Soroti Municipality

Table 4.9 indicated that majority of the respondents 86 (49%) were in agreement that the outcomes
of Human Rights promotion by the media were Very Good, 58 (33%) confirm that the outcomes of
Human Rights promotion by the media were considerably Good, while 32 (18%) regret that the
outcomes of Human Rights promotion by the media are still Poor. Generally, it is plausible to say
36
that the media in Soroti municipality is using its potential to the fullest to educate and promote
human rights in order to support the government to fulfill its obligation under international human
rights instruments. The journalists working for several media institutions agree with this assertion.
So far, the contribution made by the media towards the promotion of human rights is evaluated as
Very Good by the journalists questioned about this specific concern. Ebgon, M. (1995) consents, that
if it can be argued that the media can set the public agenda by reporting one news story in place of
another, then, the media can take up the human rights agenda by publishing or broadcasting human
rights programmes. In other words, the media can disseminate human rights information, mobilize
human rights NGOS, strengthen popular participation in civil society, promote tolerance, and shine a
light on government activity. Upon interview, a popular Ateso language Etop Newspaper reporter
noted that;

information that violate the human dignity, moral, family, personal liberty, group right,
women and children rights and freedom on religion, ethnicity, language are excluded from
the content of government owned media organizations. This imposes not only a responsibility
of promoting the rights of citizens but also respecting human rights while performing our
regular journalistic duties.

The media are agents of social change that can bring about positive attitudinal change in the
audience; they set the agenda for the people to follow, crucial to opinion formulation and eventual
outcomes of events. They media can encourage governments and civil society organizations to effect
changes that will improve the quality of people’s lives. Journalists, photographers and programme-
makers frequently expose the plight of people who have their fundamental Human Rights often
violated by their superiors. In sum, the media creates a general Human Rights awareness, exposes
cases of Human Rights abuses and violations, exposes perpetrators of Human Rights abuses for
moral condemnation and legal actions, publicizes the plights of victims for people to know or see,
discourages Human Rights abuses, helps secure redress or compensation for Human Rights violation
victims, enlightens and sensitize the general public on possible Human Rights violations, assists law
enforcement officials and Human Rights groups to track down cases of abuses and finally educates
the people on how to use appropriate communication channels to articulate their views and give
expressions to their aspirations. A radio reporter noted that;

The media has the capabilities of giving publicity to individuals and organizations which are
engaged in securing Human Rights. This encourages as well as motivates others to do
similar Human Rights related works and in effect, the media once again plays a very crucial
promotion and protection role.
37
Another interviewed print media journalist affirmed that;

The media further can inform and educate the people of their fundamental Human Rights and
suggest ways and means by which they can solve their problems and thus empowering people
to protect their rights. The media in its other role of communication between the state and
the public, it also plays an effective role of making the authorities aware of their duties.

38
 CHAPTER SIX:

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

6.0 INTRODUCTION

This chapter presents conclusion and recommendations on the research study of the role of the media
in the promotion of human rights in Soroti municipality.

6.1 CONCLUSION

Throughout history, the media in Uganda has remained under the strict control of the government.
The media is restricted and controlled by strong and active censorship laws. As a result, it was not in
a position to contribute to the development of human rights culture in Uganda. Freedom of opinion,
expression and the press as well as the right to seek, receive and impart information was guaranteed
both in writing and comparatively in The Republic of Uganda Constitution (1995). The existing
human rights system of protection, promotion and enforcement of international human rights law, to
the large extent, lies on the hands of the state and its institution and the different regional and
international intergovernmental monitoring organs. In Uganda, NGOs have engaged actively in
human rights advocacy and promotion using the media as a means. As a result, they sponsor
programmes on human rights, train journalists on human rights issues, prepare workshops and panel
discussions and celebrate several achievements and condemn violations on human rights which the
media gets to cover. These activities have made the media relatively active in human rights matters
and created events to be covered on human rights.

Regardless of this challenges and constraints, currently, media organizations in Soroti municipality
are making an effort to make contributions in the promotion of human rights in the country.
Different media organizations have a number of programmes that are relevant to human rights.
Consequently, human rights are covered by both the print and the broadcast media to a certain
extent. The institutions approach human rights using, in addition to their news coverage, regular
programmes, occasional and special coverage on contemporary matters and on programs in
collaboration with national human rights institutions and nongovernmental actors. The organizations,
through the media, produce and present their investigative findings on violations of human rights
and organize workshops, panel discussions, and talk shows on human rights issues, publish articles
and, most importantly, give trainings to the journalists about human rights which have a
distinguished contribution in the process of awareness creation on human rights in Soroti
municipality.
39
6.2 RECOMMENDATIONS

In light of the study conducted the general observations made so far, the following points are to be
considered in measures to be taken as a way forward as per objectives per see:

6.2.1 The role of the mass media in promoting human rights in Soroti municipality

The research findings indicated significant influence of the media in promoting and creating
awareness of human rights in Soroti municipality; the following recommendations are made;

a. It is recommended that legislative review should be taken in to consideration. Especially, the

Access to Information Act (2005), and Anti-terrorism Act (2002) which impose excessive
fines and rigorous punishment on journalists and media institution owners for minor violations
of the provisions. Human rights are sensitive issues that possibly might fall in the prohibited
areas under the proclamations. The media is not willing to take such risk and choose to avoid
issues related to human rights. This is affecting the most important factor in the realization of
human rights, which is the creation of popular support and awareness.

b. National human rights institutions have to strive in assisting the media in its effort to promote
and educate human rights. In a country where tolerating NGOs and Charities involvement in
human rights advocacy is lesser, these institutions have an enormous responsibility in
circulating information regarding human rights to the public. The current activities of national
human rights institutions compare to the responsibilities they assume, is insignificant.
Therefore, they should establish constant relationship with the media through several activities
including continuous training to the journalists about human rights, organizing media forums
and presenting and sponsoring programs for the purpose of awareness creation to the general
public.

c. Media institutions must have a clear editorial policy which gives their detailed position and
degree of coverage on human rights. Except Two media organizations, both print and radio
media institutions covered under this study were not able to present an editorial policy that
explains their interest and potential in human rights coverage. This creates confusion and
misguides their journalists on to what extent they are expected to cover human rights.

d. Media institutions should find a balance in covering economic, social and cultural rights and
civil and political rights. Currently, especially the government media which is more focused on
economic and social matters which leaves civil and political rights less addressed and

40
 promoted. The private media also, demonstrated unbalanced coverage on human rights by
giving civil and political rights less attention. In order to have a balanced coverage on human
rights, government can assist the media by appreciating active political participation and
organizing, when necessary, political debates among different political parties. This will give
the media a topic to raise and discuss human rights issues in general and civil and political
rights in particular.

6.2.2 The impact of the mass media in promoting human rights in Soroti municipality

The research findings indicated significant impact on communities of the media in promoting and
creating awareness of human rights in Soroti municipality; the following recommendations are
made;

a. It is recommended that the Mass Media institutions should be interested in the impact of
human rights promotion by formulating their policies to make them conducive for human
rights coverage. They should be prepared to invest in human rights programmes and also
encourage their staff to get acquainted with the various human rights instruments to be able to
effectively engage in human rights reporting.

b. There is always an element of bias in journalism and the scope for reliable and accurate
reporting is often defined by the identity, objective and character of the media themselves.
Journalists tend to take their cue, both political and professional, not from the moral values of
parent, teacher or journalism school, but from the media culture within which they work. In
parallel, a large number of human rights organizations have emerged from within civil society.
These organizations ought to monitor violations of human rights, lobby for reform and feed the
press with information on the subject.

c. Though journalists have expanded coverage of human rights issues into new areas, many
human rights issues are under-reported. Issues that are less visible, or slow processes, are
covered rarely. It is no longer the priority of human rights organizations today to generate new
information or establish its credibility. There is usually more than enough information and it is
all too believable. Their real priority is to understand and improve what is done with this
information. This is not the role of news organizations, whose function is to obtain, verify and
make news known. News editors and reporters certainly think about the impact of information.
They are morally concerned with the abuses they uncover but it is not up to them to determine
what to do, let alone do it.

41
6.2.3 The challenges the mass media encounters in promoting human rights in Soroti
municipality

The research findings indicated significant challenges affecting the media encounters in the
promotion of human rights; the following recommendations are made;

a. Journalism schools, media institutions, national human rights organizations and

nongovernmental actors should act towards creating awareness among the journalists about
human rights. It will not be appropriate to expect the media to promote and actively participate
in a concept they do not understand. Lack of adequate knowledge and understanding on human
rights is the main obstacle identified for the media reluctance in engaging on programmes
related to human rights. Creating awareness among journalists will generate initiation and
interest in organizing programmes devoted to human rights.

b. Government, to the extent possible, has to work towards ensuring the public right to get access
to accurate, timely and inexpensive information as guaranteed under the Access to Information
Proclamation. Currently, the public is not in a position to afford newspapers, or electronic
devises to get information. This affects the media effort to promote human rights, democracy
and good governance since their message, whatever the extent might be, only reaches a few
percent of the general population. The government ought to provide support to media
institution so that they will provide information as inexpensive as possible. For example, it is
possible to subsidies publishing companies who actively engage in the promotion of human
rights or provides tax free materials for the publishers.

42
 REFERENCES

Amin, M.E. (2005). Social Sciences Research: Concepts, Methodology and Analysis, Kampala:
Makerere University Publication

Anol, B. (2012), Social Science Research: Principles, Methods, and Practices, 2nd ed. Boston: Sage
Publication

Asemah, E.S. (2011), Mass Media in the Contemporary Society, Cambridge University Press.

Burns, L. (2002) Understanding Journalism, London: Sage Publications.

Burton, G. (2005) Media and society: Critical perspectives, (2nd edition). Berkshire: Open
University Press

Bryman, A. (2008), Social Research Methods. (3rd ed), New York: Oxford University Press

Chambers, D (2000) Investigative journalism: context and practice, (second edition), Quezon: Rex
Books Store Inc.

Craston, C. (2000). Human Rights: Real and Supposed in Political Theory and the Right of Man.
Bloomington: Indiana Press.

Defleur, M. (2010) Mass Communication theories: explaining origins, processes, and effects,
Boston: Allyn and Bacon

Dijk T. (2007) Power and the News Media, University of Amsterdam,

Dinku Shimeles (2009), The Role Of NGOs in The Enforcement of International Human Rights Law
In Ethiopia, Faculty of Law, Addis Ababa University, (Unpublished)

Ebgon, M. (1995). Social Responsibility and the Mass Media: Strategies and Tactics for Balance
Media Coverage of Crisis. Lagos: Rothan Press Ltd.

Eric J. and Thomas E., (1996), Getting the Message, News, Truth, Power, Glasgow University
Media Group

Folarin, B. (1998). Theories of Mass Communication: An Introductory Text. Ibadan: Stirling-

Horden Publishers.

Gasiokwu M.O., (2003). Human Rights: History and Ideology. Josey-Josey: National Books.

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Freeman, M. (2002) Human rights, Cambridge: Polity Press.

Ishay, M (2008) The Media and Human Rights, University of California Press

Robert V. Krejcie and Daryle W. Morgan, (1970), Determining Sample Size for Research Activities,
Oxford, Educational and Psychological Measurement

Lauren, G (2003) the Evolution of Human Rights, University of Pennsylvania Press

Mbaine A., (2006) Media in Situations of Conflict, Roles, Challenges and Responsibilities, Fountain
Publishers,

McQuail, D. (2000). The Influence and Effects of the Media of Communication and Society, London:
Curran J. and Arnold Publishers Limited.

McQuail, D. (2005). Mass Communication Theory, London: SAGE Publications limited.

Nickel, J. (2007) Making sense of human rights, Oxford: Blackwell publishing

Okunna, C.S. (1999). Introduction to Mass Communication, Enugu: New Generation Books.

Steiner H. (2007), International Human Rights in Context, 3rd ed, Oxford University Press

Saeedi R, Asgharkia A. (2006). The role of globalization and the media in cultural identity, Tehran:
Khojaste.

Wells, A. and E. Hakanen (1997) Mass media and society, London: Abex Publishing Corporation

Wimmer R. and Dominick J. (2000), Mass Media Research: An Introduction. New York: Wards
Worth Publishing Company.

INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS CONVENTIONS

UN Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), 1979

UN International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, 1966

UN International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, 1966

The African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, 1972

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), 1948

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WEBSITES

http//www.etop.co.ug – Accessed on 3rd July 2019

http//www.monitor.co.ug – Accessed on 3rd July 2019

http//www.newvision.co.ug – Accessed on 3rd July 2019

http//www.taso.org – Accessed on 3rd July 2019

http//www.umcat.ac.ug – Accessed on 3rd July 2019

45
APPENDIX I: INTRODUCTORY LETTER

46
 APPENDIX II: CONSENT FORM FOR PARTCIPANTS
THE TITLE OF RESEARCH: THE ROLE PLAYED BY MASS MEDIA IN THE PROMOTION
OF HUMAN RIGHTS IN SOROTI MUNICIPALITY

This consent form serves to give you an understanding of the purpose of this research and
subsequently the procedure to be followed when undertaking it. Further implications for your
participation are explained. Make sure you read the information sheet carefully, or have it be
explained to you, to your satisfaction.

1. Description: This study is purely an academic research undertaking. The researcher is a student
at UMCAT Institute of Journalism and Mass Communication, pursuing a Diploma in Journalism
and Mass Communication. This research is a major requirement to complete the Programme.

2. Purpose: The researcher wishes to assess the role played by the mass media in the promotion of
human rights in Soroti district, Uganda.

3. Consent: Participation in this exercise is voluntary, i.e. you do not need to participate, if you do
not want to.

4. Confidentiality: All the data collected from this research will be treated with high
confidentiality. Participants are assured of anonymity in this research.

5. Rights of Respondent: The rights of the respondents will be protected and respected.
Participants are assured that they shall suffer no harm as a result of participating in this exercise.
Participants are free to ask for clarifications at any point during the exercise and to inform the
researcher if they feel uncomfortable about any procedure in the research and may withdraw if
they wish.

DECLARATION OF CONSENT

I have read through the participant information sheet. I now consent voluntarily to be a participant
in this project.

Participant’s Name: _____________________________________

Signature: _______________________________

Date: ___________________________________

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 APPENDIX III: QUESTIONNAIRE FOR MEDIA PROFESSIONALS

The objective of this questionnaire is to collect data about the role and contributions of the media in
creating awareness and promoting human rights in Soroti municipality. The research finding will be
used as a partial fulfilment for the Award of Diploma of Journalism and Mass Communication
(DJMC) at the UMCAT Institute of Journalism and Mass Communication. Therefore I request your
kind co-operation to fill the questionnaire.

NB: The data will be used only to the purpose of this study
No need to write your name
Please tick () appropriate choice against the variable

Name of Institution: ______________________________________________________________

Position: _____________________________________________________________________

SECTION A: BACKGROUND INFORMATION

1. Sex Male Female

2. Age 18-30 31-40 41-50 51 and above

3. Marital Status: Single Married Divorced Widowed

4. How long have you worked as a journalist?

1-3 years 4-6 years 7-10 years Above 10 years

SECTION B: KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE ON HUMAN RIGHTS PROMOTION

5. Do you have any training regarding human rights? Yes No

6. If your answer is yes for the above question did the training in any way affected your perception
about human rights?

_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________

7. Do you consider human rights issues with your coverage while reporting or editing news?

Yes (Aware) No (Not Aware)

48
8. If your answer is yes to the above question which human rights mostly appear to be related with
your news or coverage?

Civil and political rights Economic, social and cultural rights

Group rights Not known

9. Do you have programs at your organization devoted to human rights promotion?

Yes No

10. If your answer is no to the above question, in your opinion, what is the main barrier in preparing
programs devoted to human rights promotion?

Financial problems Lack of awareness Legal barriers

Other: _________________________________________________________________________

11. What is your view on the role of media in promoting and educating human rights to the general
public?

_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________

12. How do you evaluate the outcomes of human rights promotion by the media?

Very good Good Poor

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APPENDIX IV: KEY INFORMANT INTERVIEW GUIDE FOR MEDIA PROFESSIONALS

Position of respondent: _____________________________________________________________

Sex of respondent: ________________________________ Age of respondent: ___________

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

The study seeks to assess the role and contributions of the mass media in creating awareness and
promoting human rights in Soroti municipality, Soroti district, Uganda. You are kindly requested to
respond to the questions asked by the interviewer.

1. How long have you worked in the media profession?

2. Do you have human rights training?
3. Do you consider human rights issues with your coverage while reporting or editing news?
4. Does the mass media impact or influence creating awareness and promoting human rights in
Soroti municipality?
5. Should the mass media create awareness and promote human rights in Soroti municipality?
6. How or in what ways is the mass media creating awareness and promoting human rights in
Soroti municipality?
7. What challenges that the mass media face in promoting human rights in Soroti municipality?

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 APPENDIX V: WORK PLAN

DATE/MONTH ACTIVITY PERSON(S) RESPONSIBLE

February 2019 Developing Research Topic Researcher and Supervisor

and Approval

Proposal Writing. Developing

March 2019 Researcher and Supervisor
Research Instruments and
Approval

April 2019 Proposal Review and Pilot Researcher and Supervisor

Testing of Tools

May 2019 Data Collection Researcher

June 2019 Data Processing and Analysis Researcher

July 2019 Report Writing and Final Researcher and Supervisor

Report Submission

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 APPENDIX VI: BUDGET ESTIMATES

QUANTIT
No. ITEM COST/UNIT TOTAL COST (Ugx)
Y
1. Stationery (Reams, Notebooks, Pens) 02 20,000 40,000
2. Printing and Binding Reports 03 30,000 90,000
3. Communication (Airtime, Internet) N/A 50,000
4. Transport N/A 50,000
5. Upkeep N/A 100,000
6. Data Analysis N/A 100,000
7. Miscellaneous N/A 50,000
TOTAL 480,000

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