A new report by the Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda (HRNJ-Uganda) indicates a concerning rise in violence against journalists across the country. The report, released this week, documents numerous cases of assault, intimidation, and unlawful detention targeting media professionals. These incidents are reportedly perpetrated by both state and non-state actors, creating a climate of fear and self-censorship within the Ugandan media landscape. The findings raise serious questions about the government’s commitment to protecting press freedom and ensuring the safety of journalists. HRNJ-Uganda is calling for immediate action to address these violations and hold perpetrators accountable.
The HRNJ-Uganda report details a worrying trend of increasing hostility towards journalists, particularly those covering sensitive topics such as corruption, human rights abuses, and political dissent. The report highlights at least 50 documented cases of violence against journalists in the past year, a significant increase compared to previous years. This surge in attacks is attributed to a growing intolerance for critical reporting and a lack of effective mechanisms to protect journalists from harm.
Increased Attacks on Journalists
Many of the reported incidents involve physical assault, often resulting in serious injuries. Journalists have been attacked while covering protests, political rallies, and even while conducting routine interviews. The report specifically mentions instances where security forces have used excessive force against journalists, including beatings, tear gas, and arbitrary arrests. These actions not only violate the rights of individual journalists but also undermine the public’s right to access information.
The report also sheds light on the increasing use of intimidation and threats against journalists, both online and offline. Many journalists report receiving threatening phone calls, messages, and even physical visits to their homes or offices. This climate of fear forces some journalists to self-censor their reporting, limiting the scope and depth of their coverage. The HRNJ-Uganda report emphasizes the chilling effect this has on investigative journalism and the overall quality of news reporting in Uganda.
Unlawful Detentions and Legal Harassment
Besides physical violence and intimidation, journalists in Uganda also face the risk of unlawful detention and legal harassment. The report documents several cases where journalists have been arrested and detained on trumped-up charges, often related to defamation or publication of false news. These arrests are often arbitrary and lack due process, serving as a form of punishment for critical reporting.
The HRNJ-Uganda report criticizes the use of vaguely worded laws to stifle press freedom. Laws such as the Computer Misuse Act and the Penal Code are often used to target journalists who publish information deemed critical of the government or powerful individuals. The report calls for a review of these laws to ensure they are in line with international standards on freedom of expression.
Impact on Media Freedom
The rising violence against journalists has a profound impact on media freedom in Uganda. The report finds that many journalists are increasingly hesitant to cover sensitive topics, fearing for their safety and well-being. This self-censorship limits the public’s access to vital information and undermines the role of the media as a watchdog of government and society.
- Increased self-censorship among journalists
- Reduced coverage of sensitive issues
- Erosion of public trust in the media
- Weakening of democratic institutions
Recommendations and Calls to Action
The HRNJ-Uganda report makes several recommendations to address the rising violence against journalists. These include:
- Urging the government to publicly condemn all forms of violence against journalists and take concrete steps to ensure their safety.
- Calling for thorough and impartial investigations into all reported cases of attacks on journalists, with perpetrators held accountable.
- Recommending training for security forces on respecting the rights of journalists and ensuring they are able to carry out their work without fear of harassment.
- Advocating for the repeal or amendment of laws that unduly restrict freedom of expression and press freedom.
Government Response and Future Outlook
The Ugandan government has yet to officially respond to the HRNJ-Uganda report. However, previous statements from government officials have often downplayed concerns about media freedom, arguing that journalists are free to report as long as they adhere to professional standards. Civil society organizations and media rights groups remain skeptical, pointing to the continued attacks and harassment as evidence of a worsening situation.
The findings of the HRNJ-Uganda report paint a grim picture of the state of press freedom in Uganda. The rising violence against journalists poses a serious threat to the country’s democratic institutions and the public’s right to access information. Unless the government takes concrete steps to address these violations and protect journalists, the media landscape in Uganda is likely to become even more restrictive in the years to come, potentially impacting the upcoming 2026 general elections and beyond.
