GIDEON NYENDWA
IT is hypocritical and counterproductive to commemorate World Press Freedom Day with grand speeches while simultaneously enacting laws that undermine press freedom, the Consortium of Civil Society Organisations has warned.
Isaac Mwanza, the consortium chairperson urged the government to align its actions with its rhetoric on press freedom.
He was speaking on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, marked globally under the theme “The Impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on Journalism, Media, and Human Rights.”
Mr Mwanza noted the positive strides made under President Hakainde Hichilema’s new dawn administration, including the long-awaited enactment of the Access to Information (ATI) Law.
He praised the President’s public support for media freedom but expressed grave concern over what he termed as “a steady erosion” of these gains through repressive legislation.
“The gains we had begun to make by passing the ATI law are being eroded,” Mr Mwanza said.
“We are witnessing a worrying exodus of journalists, especially young aspirants, who are abandoning their calling out of fear for their personal safety and liberty.”
He cited the continued use of colonial-era laws such as the Penal Code Act of 1931, as well as newly enacted pieces of legislation like the Cyber Crimes Act and the Cyber Security Act of 2025.
These pose a serious threat to press freedom and are being used to intimidate journalists, whistle-blowers, and citizens.
Mr Mwanza noted that while Government officials deliver glowing speeches on days like this, their actions in Parliament and the courts often contradict their stated commitment to media freedom.
Mr Mwanza also raised alarm over the proposed NGO Bill, which he says threatens freedom of association and expression, adding to the list of growing concerns from civil society groups.
He called on President Hichilema to lead by example and urged the administration to halt the passage of repressive laws and instead foster a safe and enabling environment for journalists and civil society actors.
“Press freedom is not a favour from government it is a right enshrined in our Constitution and international instruments, and is essential to our democratic future,” Mr Mwanza said.
World Press Freedom Day is observed annually on May 3 to reflect on the state of press freedom worldwide and honour journalists who risk their lives in pursuit of truth.
This year’s commemorations come amid increasing global debate over the implications of AI on journalism and media ethics.
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