Uganda’s leading media organisations have declared a news blackout on security agencies following violent attacks against journalists covering the Kawempe North by-election.
The unprecedented move comes after multiple incidents of harassment, beatings, and destruction of media equipment by security operatives.
In a joint press conference held at Speke Hotel, leaders of major journalists’ associations condemned what they called a “deliberate and targeted crackdown on press freedom.”
“Security forces have turned their weapons on journalists who are clearly identifiable and simply doing their job. This is unacceptable,” said Uganda Parliamentary Press Association (UPPA) President Samuel Ibanda.
The Uganda Sports Press Association (USPA), Uganda Journalists Association (UJA), Uganda Journalists Union (UJU), and Human Rights Network for Journalists (HRNJ) joined UPPA in demanding immediate action from the government.
Blackout Until Demands Are Met
Journalists have vowed to withdraw coverage of security agencies until their demands are met, including compensation for all injured journalists, replacement of damaged cameras, laptops, and phones and return of confiscated equipment and lost money.
“We are taking a stand. No security agency will receive media coverage until justice is served,” said HRNJ National Coordinator Robert Sempala.
Journalists Injured, Equipment Destroyed
At least seven journalists were assaulted during the by-election violence.
Victims include Hasifah Nanvuma (Nation Media Group), Hassan Wasswa & Francis Ijjo (NBS TV) who was beaten and hospitalised, Steven Kibwika (NMG), Thomas Kitimbo (NBS TV) who was attacked while investigating alleged election malpractice and Ibrahim Miracle (Top TV) who was beaten by Joint Anti-Terrorism Unit operatives, suffering severe eye injuries.
Eyewitnesses report that security operatives not only assaulted journalists but also confiscated cameras and forced reporters to delete footage.
“This is a calculated effort to silence the media and erase evidence of brutality,” said UJA General Secretary Emmanuel Kirunda.
Government Silence & Fears For 2026 Elections
The Ugandan government has yet to comment on the attacks, but media watchdogs warn of a “dangerous precedent” ahead of the 2026 general elections.
“If journalists are unsafe during a by-election, what will happen in 2026? We are heading into dark times,” warned ACME Executive Director Dr. George Lugalambi.
The journalists’ blackout is expected to put pressure on authorities, as media houses unite in protest against what they describe as “state-sponsored brutality.”
International Condemnation
The International Press Association of Uganda (IPAU) has condemned the arrests and harassment of journalists.
They are demanding the immediate release of Abubaker Lubowa (Daily Monitor), Raymond Tamale (NTV), Denis Kabugo (NTV) and Hakim Wampamba (NBS TV)
“The targeting of journalists is an attack on democracy itself,” said IPAU President John Nsubuga.