Journalists from Nation Media Group (NMG) and Next Media were recently barred from covering President Yoweri Museveni’s Parish Development Model (PDM) tour in Uganda’s Bunyoro Sub-region, sparking renewed concerns about press freedom in the country. Although their names had been submitted for accreditation, they were not included in the official State House list, effectively blocking them from participating in the event’s coverage. While they initially negotiated access on the first day and managed to report, they were subsequently turned away from key activities, including the commissioning of Bunyoro University and Hoima Olympic Stadium, with officials citing “orders from above.”
This incident follows a disturbing pattern of media restrictions in Uganda. Earlier in March 2025, during the Kawempe North by-election, several NMG journalists—including Abubaker Lubowa, Raymond Tamale, and Denis Kabugo—were abducted, beaten, and held by security forces in unmarked vans, commonly referred to as “drones.” Their harrowing ordeal was part of a broader crackdown that also saw reporters assaulted, arrested, and having their equipment confiscated. Over 28 journalists were reportedly attacked during this period, with many of the assaults appearing targeted and premeditated.
The Uganda Journalists Association and other watchdogs condemned these acts, highlighting an alarming trend of violence and intimidation aimed at silencing critical media voices ahead of the 2026 general elections. As a result, some media houses temporarily pulled their reporters from the field to protect their safety.
In response, the Media Council of Uganda has called for dialogue between media organizations and security agencies to address these issues. The Council emphasized the need for mutual respect and collaboration without compromising journalistic independence.
These developments paint a troubling picture of the state of press freedom in Uganda. With the next election cycle approaching, concerns are mounting that such restrictions and violence against journalists could undermine both media integrity and democratic transparency in the country. The continued targeting of independent media poses a significant threat to freedom of expression and the public’s right to information.
