| This thesis argues that new information technologies, particularly the Internet, the Web, and the mobile phone, like elsewhere in the world, are transforming news and journalism in Uganda and forcing news organizations to restructure in order to centrally integrate them in their operations. They, particularly mobile phones, have expanded the horizon for expression, enabling many ordinary citizens, who hitherto had no opportunity, to become involved in public debates and express their views and perspectives. They are critical alternative platforms against restrictions to the media and free expression. Yet challenges remain. They are easily susceptible to abuse, which has the negative effect of creating misunderstanding, animosity and disrupting any meaningful debate. This also devalues their impact. Moreover, their levels of penetration, relative to the total population, remains low. Any significant impact they potentially have, especially, on the country's democratic processes over time is dependent on how fast this penetration increases. |
