Tensions Rise as NTV Uganda Journalists Barred from Parliament: Opposition Condemns ‘Attack on Press Freedom’

A standoff over media freedom erupted at the Parliament of Uganda on Tuesday morning after security personnel reportedly blocked a news crew from Nation Media Group’s NTV Uganda from entering the parliamentary precincts, sparking outrage from opposition legislators and renewed concerns about the shrinking space for independent journalism.

According to reports, the NTV journalists were stopped at the main entrance and had their press accreditation tags confiscated by security officers, who cited “instructions not to let them in” but declined to provide any specific reason for the order. The move effectively barred one of Uganda’s leading television stations from covering the day’s parliamentary proceedings.

The development comes days after NTV aired a series of reports examining “unopposed candidates” in Parliament — a feature that drew attention to the House’s top leadership, including the Speaker and Deputy Speaker. Opposition figures believe the move to block NTV’s access is a direct retaliation against the outlet’s critical coverage.

Leader of the Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi condemned the incident, describing it as an attack on media freedom and a worrying indicator of increasing intolerance toward scrutiny.

“What happened today is not just about NTV — it’s about silencing voices that hold power accountable,” Ssenyonyi said. “The media plays a vital role in promoting transparency. Blocking journalists from Parliament undermines democracy.”

Several other opposition lawmakers echoed similar sentiments, urging Parliament’s administration to immediately reinstate NTV’s accreditation and allow journalists to perform their duties without intimidation or restriction.

Civil society organizations and media advocacy groups, including the Uganda Journalists Association (UJA), have also weighed in, labeling the move “an affront to press freedom.” The UJA called on the Parliamentary Commission to clarify the reasons behind the decision and uphold journalists’ right to access public institutions.

The Speaker’s office had not issued an official statement by press time, but sources within Parliament indicated that discussions were underway to resolve the matter amid mounting public pressure.

Observers warn that such incidents could have a chilling effect on journalism in Uganda, especially as media houses continue to face political and administrative pushback over critical reporting.

As the debate intensifies, questions remain over whether the incident signals a broader attempt to restrict access to public information — or simply a clash between the media’s watchdog role and the government’s growing sensitivity to criticism.