Uganda Elections: Journalist Safety Concerns Grow
- As Uganda approaches its 2026 general elections, concerns are mounting over increasing violence against journalists and its potential impact on election coverage and media freedom.
- Huzaifa Mugerwa, a journalist, recounted being beaten and interrogated after livestreaming a local election.
- Emmanuel Kirunda, secretary general of the Uganda Journalists Association, reported that 33 journalists were attacked by armed forces during a two-day period in March.
Uganda Journalists Face Violence, Raising Fears for Election Coverage
Updated June 02, 2025
As Uganda approaches its 2026 general elections, concerns are mounting over increasing violence against journalists and its potential impact on election coverage and media freedom. Several incidents of assault and intimidation have been reported,raising fears that the public’s access to vital facts may be compromised.
Huzaifa Mugerwa, a journalist, recounted being beaten and interrogated after livestreaming a local election. Masked men abducted him, demanding to no if he worked for Bobi Wine, a prominent opposition figure. He was released after hours of abuse.
Emmanuel Kirunda, secretary general of the Uganda Journalists Association, reported that 33 journalists were attacked by armed forces during a two-day period in March. This wave of violence prompted some media outlets to suspend election coverage, deeming it unsafe for their reporters. Daniel Kalinaki, general manager at Nation Media Group in Uganda, confirmed his association pulled journalists from covering the same election due to targeted attacks.
Chris Magezi, acting spokesperson for Uganda People’s Defense Forces, attributed the violence to a lack of coordination between the military and the media. he suggested improved communication could prevent future incidents. Magezi also accused the National unity Platform,led by Bobi Wine,of instigating violence,which he said prompted military intervention.
Gen. Muhoozi kainerugaba, chief of the Defence Forces, threatened journalists in 2022, promising they “will feel us soon. We will crush you.”
Julius Mucunguzi, spokesperson for the Uganda Electoral Commission, acknowledged the media’s crucial role in ensuring fair elections but admitted the commission cannot guarantee journalists’ safety. He suggested collective action as the best way to protect reporters.
Violence against journalists in Uganda has a long history. Despite a 2024 High Court ruling deeming attacks on journalists unconstitutional, Kirunda said there is little indication that the armed forces are willing to protect journalists.
Miracle Ibrahim, a reporter for Top TV, said he nearly lost an eye after being attacked by the Joint Anti-Terrorism Task Force while covering an election in February. Despite the injury, Ibrahim remains committed to his profession.
“If I can find another job that pays me well, I will definitely leave journalism,” Mugerwa said. “The risk, the pain, the inhuman treatment by authorities [who are] supposed to protect me when I am doing my job, isn’t worth it.”
What’s next
wiht the 2026 elections on the horizon, the focus remains on whether Ugandan authorities will take concrete steps to ensure the safety of journalists and uphold media freedom, allowing for obvious and informed election coverage.