The Deputy Chief of Defense Forces (CDF) Lieutenant General Peter Elwelu has urged journalists to root for love, peace and goodwill towards their country.
He said this while delivering his lecture of opportunity at the ongoing Uganda Journalism Association (UJA) Symposium taking place at Kyambogo University. The event commenced yesterday 6th February 2023, and will be ending on 11th February 2023.
According to Lt Gen Elwelu, journalists should be good messengers of the nation other than spreading information that harms Uganda.
“You should refrain from spreading wrong information and propaganda in the name of attracting more readers, but rather report from an informed point of view,” urged Lt Gen Elwelu.
Gen Elwelu advised journalists to keep harmful information away from the public because it can cause bloodshed. Instead, they should promote the good image of the country.
“The events that preceded the Kayunga riots in 2009 would not have escalated if it was not for the media. Journalists played a big role in that bloodshed,” he said.
He told journalists to do their due diligence and execute their tasks excellently while enjoying it, so that they can reap good results. He also encouraged them to adopt a saving culture and engage in skillful activities so that they can improve their standards of the world.
Lt Gen Elwelu challenged Ugandans to be their brothers’ keeper, love the Lord, love their neighbors, and be good messengers of good will, unity and peace.
This years UJA Symposium is aimed at the social economic transformation for journalists.