Journalism under the Shadow of Repression and Exploitation in Museveni’s Uganda.

By Amiri Wabusimba.

Under the three-decade rule of President Yoweri Museveni, Uganda has transformed into a perilous environment for journalists. The regime’s relentless suppression of dissent, rampant corruption, and systematic human rights violations have fostered an atmosphere of fear and intimidation for those committed to reporting the truth.

Journalists in Uganda face constant threats, including physical violence, arbitrary arrests, detention, and torture without due process. Security forces frequently use abductions and forced disappearances to silence dissent and intimidate the media. Several journalists have been injured with impunity or forced into exile, amplifying the climate of fear.

Corruption is deeply entrenched in Uganda, undermining the media’s ability to hold the government accountable. Many media owners maintain close affiliations with the ruling party or have financial interests that skew their editorial decisions. As a result, critical reporting on government corruption is often suppressed or diluted, depriving the public of access to the truth.

The media industry in Uganda is rife with exploitation, characterized by low pay, overwork, and inadequate benefits. Many media outlets exploit interns and volunteers as cheap labor, leaving journalists financially vulnerable and susceptible to manipulation and coercion by media owners. Since assuming power in 1986, President Museveni has employed authoritarian tactics to stifle dissent. Arrests, abductions, and forced exile of journalists have become common tools to suppress the free press. The government has curtailed online freedom of expression by blocking social media platforms like Facebook during elections and imposing a controversial social media tax, which was later dropped after the 2021 elections. These measures severely hamper journalists’ ability to disseminate information and engage with their audiences.

Uganda’s elections, particularly in 2020 and earlier cycles, have been marred by violence and repression, significantly affecting both journalists and the public. During the lead-up to the 2021 general elections, journalists faced harassment, beatings, and arrests while covering opposition campaigns and protests. Security forces often employed excessive force, resulting in deaths, injuries, and widespread fear. The 2020 protests following the arrest of opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine) were particularly brutal, with security forces firing live ammunition into crowds, killing dozens of civilians and injuring many more. Media outlets reporting on these events faced censorship, intimidation, and shutdowns, further restricting the flow of information.

Despite these immense challenges, Ugandan journalists continue to fight for their rights and those of their fellow citizens. Organizations like the Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda (HRNJ-Uganda) actively advocate for press freedom, provide training, and support journalists under attack. The international community must stand in solidarity with Uganda’s journalists, recognizing their critical role in promoting democracy, transparency, and accountability. Diplomatic pressure on the Ugandan government, along with financial support and training for local journalists, is essential for fostering a freer press.

As Uganda approaches the 2026 elections, concerns mount over potential escalations of violence and repression reminiscent of previous election cycles. Sustained advocacy and solidarity are crucial in ensuring press freedom and the public’s right to information. Journalism in Uganda is a high-stakes profession. Those who persist in reporting the truth, often at great personal cost, deserve unwavering admiration and support. Through collective efforts, the fight for a free press and a brighter future for Uganda remains a cause worth championing.

Author is a diplomatic Scholar, Journalist, political analyst and Human Right activist

Tel: +56775103895 email: [email protected].