By Spy Uganda
During a meeting with media directors organized by the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, through his representative Hon. Balaam Barugahara, emphasized the need for a balance between national security concerns and civil liberties in Uganda, with a particular focus on media freedoms.
The meeting was attended by UCC’s Executive Director, Hon. Nyombi Thembo, as well as the CEOs of major broadcasting entities, including members of INDOJA-UG, the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), the Rural Broadcasters Association (RUBA), and the Uganda Media Owners Association (UMOA), among others.
In his address, Kainerugaba, who serves as the Senior Presidential Advisor on Special Operations and Chief of Defence Forces, acknowledged that while Uganda’s Constitution guarantees fundamental civil liberties—such as free speech and media freedom—it also includes limitations designed to protect public order and national security. He highlighted the responsibility of citizens, including media practitioners, to respect the rights of others and avoid actions that could endanger public safety.
Uganda’s Constitution provides a framework for balancing individual freedoms with national security. Article 43(1) ensures that no one’s rights should infringe upon the rights of others, maintaining that freedom of speech and media operations should not undermine public order or safety. Additionally, Article 17 outlines the duties of Ugandan citizens, which include respecting national symbols, defending the nation, cooperating with lawful agencies, and upholding public order.
However, Kainerugaba cautioned that some media outlets, both traditional and online, have pushed the boundaries of their freedoms, contributing to increasing security concerns. He expressed particular concern over the spread of hate speech, incitement to violence, sectarianism, and the formation of militant political groups. He warned that the misuse of media, especially online platforms, could destabilize the country and threaten Uganda’s security.
In response, INDOJA-UG President Andrew Irumba Katusabe took the floor and stressed that progress in Uganda cannot be achieved without the support of the media. He condemned the ongoing brutality against journalists, citing the case of Top TV reporter Ibrahim Miracle, who was severely injured by a tear gas canister yesterday while covering Kawempe North by election nominations.
“A journalist simply reports what is happening, whether it’s good or bad—that’s not their responsibility. Why should I be beaten just for recording something wrong? Some of you accuse us of promoting hate speech, but when we check your social media accounts, all we see is pure hate and sectarianism,” Irumba said, visibly frustrated. He also pointed out the contradictions in security personnel’s actions, highlighting that journalists are often targeted not because of their actions, but because of a failure among security forces to recognize the importance of journalism.
In the same vein, Kin Kariisa the Group CEO of Next Media Services, called for greater cooperation between security agencies and media professionals. He cautioned that Ugandans don’t expect a repeat of the violence and chaos that marred the 2021 elections in the upcoming 2026 elections.
NAB Chairman Innocent Nahabwe, during the meeting, pledged that the Association would work with various stakeholders, including UCC, to provide more training for journalists to enhance their professional standards. He however also clarified that journalists are often not attacked for their professional actions, but rather due to the failure of some security officers to recognize that journalism is never a crime.
In closing, Balaam Barugahara assured that all the issues raised during the meeting would be forwarded to General Muhoozi, with the hope that a follow-up meeting with the media CEOs would soon take place to address the concerns raised and resolve the matters amicably for a better country.
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