A section of officials from the National Peasants Party (NPP) has added its voice to the growing public outcry, calling on Parliament and the Executive to immediately review the ban on the Nation Media Group (NMG) and its journalists.
The officials, led by party spokesperson Thomas Bagonza and National Mobiliser Luwemba Lusswa Muhammad, were joined by other activists in condemning the blockade as a blatant violation of the country’s supreme law.
The group specifically cited the infringement of constitutional guarantees, namely Article 29, which protects freedom of expression, and Article 41, which guarantees the right of access to information.
The move positions the NPP among a widening coalition of media associations, civil society, and political actors challenging the state’s decision to bar NMG outlets, including NTV Uganda and the Daily Monitor, from covering parliamentary and presidential activities.
While representing a segment of the party, the officials argued that the media ban is not merely a press freedom issue but a direct assault on the rights of all Ugandan citizens. They emphasized that the media serves as a vital conduit, enabling the public to stay informed about the actions and decisions of their leaders.
“When a major media house is blocked from covering public institutions, it is the people of Uganda who are ultimately kept in the dark,” the group asserted. “This action undermines the very principles of accountability and transparency that our Constitution is built upon.”
The officials urged the leadership of both Parliament and the Executive to reconsider their position and unconditionally restore NMG’s access. They warned that stifling independent journalism sets a dangerous precedent, especially as the nation moves closer to another electoral cycle.
The NPP officials’ statement adds to the pressure from the Uganda Journalists Association (UJA), the Uganda Parliamentary Press Association (UPPA), and the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), all of which have condemned the blockade and are seeking its swift resolution.
