The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) have launched investigations into reports that journalists covering the Kawempe North by-election were assaulted by security personnel.
The allegations, which include the confiscation of press equipment, have sparked concerns about press freedom and the conduct of security forces during electoral exercises.
In a statement issued by Acting Defence Information Officer Col Chris Magezi, the UPDF condemned any acts of harassment against journalists and assured the public that disciplinary measures would be taken if misconduct is established.
“The UPDF values and treats our relations with the media very seriously. We assure journalists and other stakeholders that we will do our utmost to rebuild the trust and confidence we have shared for so long,” Magezi said.
While acknowledging the critical role of the media, Magezi also urged journalists to work collaboratively with security forces to ensure a peaceful and orderly environment.
“It is a shared responsibility as citizens in our respective capacities to work together to make sure that all corners of the country are secure and peaceful,” he added.
Magezi further noted that while most citizens are law-abiding and respect law enforcement, there are a few individuals who engage in aggressive behaviour and violate the law. “The lawbreakers will be dealt with firmly according to the laws of the land,” he warned.
UCC suspends Pearl FM’s licence
Meanwhile, the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has suspended the broadcasting licence of Pearl FM (107.9), a Muslim-founded radio station. The commission cited violations of the Minimum Broadcasting Standards by airing ”unverified and potentially inflammatory” allegations during the Kawempe North by-election.
In a statement issued on March 12, 2025, the UCC accused Pearl FM of broadcasting “alarmist” and “sensational” content through its popular program “Mpulidde Kamenya”.
According to the Commission, the program’s presenter, Sulaiman Kalule, made unsubstantiated claims alleging widespread vote rigging and ballot stuffing in several areas of Kawempe North.
“Mr. Kalule alleged and stated that vote rigging and ballot stuffing was taking place in many areas in Kawempe. The presenter presented information that was inaccurate, misleading, and full of distortions. He failed to distinguish between comments, conjecture, and facts,” the statement, signed by Nyombi Thembo, Executive Director of the UCC, read in part.
The Commission described the broadcast as a blatant breach of the Minimum Broadcasting Standards, warning that such conduct has the potential to incite unrest, particularly during sensitive electoral periods.
“We take these matters very seriously, especially during emotionally charged events like elections. The public relies on accurate and unbiased information, and it is our responsibility to ensure that broadcasters uphold these standards,” Thembo emphasized.
Citing the need to protect public interest during the tense by-election, the UCC directed Pearl FM to cease all broadcasting operations immediately, pending a formal investigation.
“In order to protect the public during the emotive election period in Kawempe, the Commission hereby suspends the broadcasting services of Pearl FM as the investigation into this matter continues,” Thembo stated.
Earlier, the Minister of State for Youth and Children Affairs, Hon. Balaam Barugahara, claimed that security intercepted 30,000 pre-ticked ballot papers in favour of the NUP candidate Luyimbazi Elias Nalukoola, who later won the election.
The suspension of Pearl FM has sparked debate, with critics calling it an infringement on press freedom, while others argue it is necessary to curb misinformation during the tense by-election period. UCC has not specified the duration of the suspension but stated that Pearl FM must respond to the allegations and take corrective measures before it can resume broadcasting.