Journalists Speak Out: Harassment, Censorship & Poor Pay Undermine Uganda’s Free Press

By Spy Uganda

Government officials, civil society leaders, and journalists convened on Friday at Parliament to commemorate World Press Freedom Day, uniting in a call for stronger protections for the media.

Under the global theme “Freedom of Expression in the Face of the AI Revolution,” this year’s event spotlighted the dual challenges of technological change and the persistent struggle for press freedom and journalistic integrity.

Organised by the Uganda Parliamentary Press Association (UPPA) with support from the Parliament of Uganda, the event featured sharp commentary on the state of media freedom in the country—highlighting both democratic milestones and mounting concerns.

The Government Chief Whip, Hon. Denis Hamson Obua, urged journalists to reflect on Uganda’s journey toward freedom, noting that liberties now taken for granted were once unimaginable.

“Sometimes we over-concentrate on where we are without reflecting on where we’ve come from,” Obua said. “Even in the face of criticism, let us acknowledge the progress. Today, we can gather, speak freely, and share our views—something that was not always possible in our history.”

Referencing the 1995 Constitution and Uganda’s political evolution, Obua called for national unity and responsible journalism.

“In my culture, we say Notte en aye Teko—unity is strength. When you are divided, you are weakened. Let us unite and fight for a good cause,” he added.

A more critical tone was struck by the Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Joel Ssenyonyi, a former journalist, who warned that press freedom in Uganda is under siege.

He cited incidents during the recent by-election in Kawempe North, where journalists were reportedly harassed and beaten while covering the vote.

“This is unacceptable in a democratic society,” Ssenyonyi said.

He also criticised the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) for excessive control over media content and accused authorities of selectively ignoring attacks on journalists. Additionally, he urged media owners to improve working conditions.

“You expect a journalist to bring you a story, but you haven’t given them transport or paid them in months. That’s not sustainable,” he said.

Despite their differing tones, both Ssenyonyi and Obua agreed on the media’s central role in strengthening democracy—Ssenyonyi urging resilience, and Obua calling for continued dialogue beyond official forums.

UPPA President Sam Ibanda Mugabi used the platform to advocate for reduced internet costs and addressed ethical concerns arising from the poor pay of journalists.

The Chairperson of Parliament’s Committee on ICT and National Guidance, Hon. Tonny Ayoo, warned against the growing intersection between journalism and political activism, cautioning that blurring these lines could provoke government retaliation.

“It is true the media plays a vital role in shaping public discourse, but when reporting becomes a centre for political activism, the government feels provoked and begins to act,” Ayoo said.

He also criticised the chronic underfunding of key media regulatory bodies like the Media Council and Uganda Media Centre, saying it signals weak state commitment to a free and responsible press. Ayoo backed efforts to lower internet costs and improve connectivity—especially ahead of the 2026 elections.

Other speakers echoed concerns about journalists’ safety and working conditions.

Kira Municipality MP Hon. Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda recalled repeated incidents of brutality against the press and warned that, if unaddressed, such behavior could intensify during election periods.

Charity Ahimbisibwe, head of the Uganda Women Media Association, called for the military’s withdrawal from electoral processes to better safeguard journalists.

Joseph Beyanga of the National Broadcasters Association emphasized the need for stronger dialogue between media houses and security agencies, noting that past successes in protecting journalists during elections had faltered due to poor coordination.

Solomon Sserwanja, Executive Director of the African Institute for Investigative Journalism, condemned ongoing violence against journalists as a form of repression against the fourth estate.

“We are chained, and we need to break loose,” he said, adding, “we have bigger problems than artificial intelligence.”

Tororo County South MP, Hon. Geoffrey Ekanya, called for greater investment in investigative journalism, particularly to monitor and hold security agencies accountable.

“Only a bold, well-supported press can effectively shine a light on abuse of power,” he said.