Media docket goes back to MINALOC

Management of the media has been moved from the Ministry in charge of Cabinet Affairs back to the Ministry of Local Government (MINALOC).During the handover, yesterday, Cabinet Affairs Minister, Protais Musoni, said the move is aimed at ensuring more effectiveness and efficiency in the development of the media sector.The ministry became caretaker of the media docket after the dissolution of the Ministry of Information.“There is no doubt that all policies and strategies regarding transformation and development of the media will be strengthened further under this new ministry,” he noted.Musoni explained that media is a key pillar in promoting good governance and is therefore best suited to operate under MINALOC.He added that there was a transformation team and communication strategy to ensure that all action plans are implemented.On his part, Local Government Minister James Musoni dismissed worries that the transfer will derail the media reforms that are currently underway.He said that his ministry would closely work with the outgoing minister and the Rwanda Governance Board (RGB) to ensure that all goals and priorities are achieved.“A lot has been achieved and we are also committed to develop the sector. We are aware of the challenges ahead but are confident to keep the pace,” he acknowledged.Musoni pledged to work closely with all those concerned to make sure that all developmental programmes are sustained.At the same function, Casmir Kayumba, a senior local journalist requested MINALOC to speed up the approval of the media laws which are currently in the Senate.However, Jane Uwimana, a journalist at Radio Ten, expressed concerns that the change will derail some developmental projects that are already underway.“As much as the media fraternity is finally getting settled under a vibrant ministry, there are fears that some projects may slow down as a result,” she said.Some of the legislations still are in the pipeline include the media law, the Access to Information Law and a law governing the operations of the Media High Council.

National

Media docket goes back to MINALOC