Court Ruling Marks Victory for Press Freedom in Uganda

The Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda (HRNJ-Uganda) applauds a landmark ruling by High Court Justice Boniface Wamala in Miscellaneous Cause No. 64 of 2021. This decision represents a major triumph for journalists’ rights and serves as a powerful warning to security forces who violate media freedoms.

The case, brought by the Uganda Journalists Association (UJA) and New Vision journalists Timothy Mulungi and Henry Sekanjako, targeted several security personnel, including the Attorney General and Lt. Col. Namanya Napoleone. Other respondents included senior defense officials and soldiers.

This ruling, issued on November 13, 2024, found that the respondents had breached the journalists’ rights to freedom of the press, dignity, freedom from torture, and other fundamental freedoms outlined in the Ugandan Constitution. The court awarded each applicant UGX 75 million in damages and ordered the respondents, excluding the Chief of Defence Forces, to cover legal costs.

HRNJ-Uganda Executive Director Robert Ssempala hailed the verdict as a clear message that journalists’ rights are inviolable, emphasizing the critical role of a free press in upholding accountability, especially with the 2026 elections approaching.

This verdict reinforces HRNJ-Uganda’s commitment to defending press freedom and supporting journalists in their quest for justice and accountability.