By Alexander Luyima
This morning, the NTV news crew was barred from entering Uganda’s Parliament, with their press accreditation withdrawn at the entrance. When asked for an explanation, security personnel reportedly said they had “instructions not to allow entry,” without providing any further details.
Sources indicate that the move comes after Parliament’s leadership expressed anger over NTV’s recent reporting on “unopposed candidates,” including the Speaker and Deputy Speaker. Media analysts are describing this as a troubling precedent for press freedom.
“Journalism exists to hold leaders accountable, not to be punished for reporting facts,” said Dr. Emmanuel Katamba, a media governance expert. “Denying access to Parliament undermines the public’s right to know and erodes trust in our democratic institutions.”
This is not the first time NTV has faced restrictions. During President Yoweri Museveni’s campaign trails, the broadcaster was reportedly blocked from covering several events. Observers noted that NTV’s coverage highlighted unusually low attendance at rallies, as well as the controversial practice of involving schoolchildren wearing oversized NRM yellow T-shirts to artificially inflate crowd numbers.
“The attempts to manipulate public perception through staged events are concerning,” said media watchdog Jane Atwine. “Reporting on these realities is essential for transparency, especially in an election that is already raising questions about fairness and inclusivity.”
The move to bar NTV from Parliament comes amid growing criticism that Uganda’s media space is increasingly restricted ahead of the 2026 general elections. Many journalists fear such actions may deter the media from scrutinizing political figures, leaving citizens with limited access to independent information.
“Journalism is not a crime,” emphasized Dr. Katamba. “Suppressing reporters does not hide the truth; it only deepens public distrust and diminishes Uganda’s democratic credibility on the world stage.”
As Parliament maintains its stance, civil society groups continue to call for immediate restoration of press freedoms and unhindered access for journalists, emphasizing that an informed public is essential for any functioning democracy.
