ABSTRACT
In Uganda, local non-governmental organizations (NGOs) such as Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda and Uganda Media Women’s Association have become instrumental in the fight for media freedom and combating impunity for crimes committed against journalists. Despite this effort, little research has been dedicated to the contribution of such organizations in promoting safety and reducing incidents of self-censorship among journalists. This study examines the role of NGOs in reducing journalistic self-censorship and promoting safety of journalists. The discussion in this chapter is based on qualitative interviews with four members of two NGOs working in the area of media freedom and ten purposively selected journalists who have previously been defended or protected by NGOs that promote media freedom. Findings of this research show that NGOs play key roles in educating journalists on their right to seek and publish information and fight impunity by prosecuting perpetrators of crimes against journalists. The NGOs also offer free legal services to journalists who are detained for crimes related to their work. This support has minimized the practice of self-censorship and built resilience among journalists to continue with their work.
