Ugandan Minister Proposes Taekwondo Training for Journalists Ahead Of The 2026 Elections

According to Minister Godfrey Kabbyanga Baluku, in a profession where press conferences and covering opposition activities can escalate into full-contact sports, a well-timed roundhouse kick might just be as useful as a well-placed question.

Kampala – If you thought being a journalist in Uganda was about chasing stories, think again. According to State Minister for ICT and National Guidance, Godfrey Kabbyanga Baluku, it might soon involve dodging tear gas canisters, side-stepping baton swings, and possibly perfecting the art of the flying kick.

In response to a directive by Commander of Defense Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who ordered that journalists undergo mandatory training at the National Leadership Institute (NALI) in Kyankwanzi, Minister Kabbyanga defended the proposal, saying journalists need to be prepared for the occupational hazards of their profession.

You know, the usual risks—like being shoved into police trucks, catching stray rubber bullets, or being generously introduced to a baton’s full force during riot coverage.

But for those who find Kyankwanzi’s ideological drills too intense (or suspiciously political), the minister suggested an alternative: Taekwondo.

“Enroll for Taekwondo to defend yourself in times of need,” he advised, implying that reporters might soon be expected to spar with riot police instead of merely documenting them.

“Your work is associated with many risks; you never know at what point those skills shall save you,” he added, as if the next political rally might require journalists to parry baton swings while live-tweeting.

The proposal has sparked debate, with some wondering whether the government is more interested in protecting journalists or just conditioning them to accept that being attacked while working is normal.

Security expert Solomon Asiimwe outright rejected the idea, warning that combat-trained journalists might be mistaken for rebels, making an already dangerous job even riskier.

“Imagine a journalist caught in a riot, fists clenched, in a perfect fighting stance—what do you think the police will assume?” he questioned.

However, journalism scholar Dr. Gerald Walulya saw some merit in the idea, noting that journalists do face real risks.

“But maybe instead of teaching them self-defense, the government should focus on making sure they’re not being attacked in the first place?” he suggested, probably unaware that logic isn’t always welcome in policy discussions.

Gerald Walulya, a journalism scholar, supported the notion of journalists acquiring self-defense skills.

While he did not explicitly endorse Kyankwanzi, he acknowledged that journalists face significant risks in their line of work and should be equipped to protect themselves.

Critics argue that the state’s sudden concern for journalists’ safety is ironic, considering that most of the threats they face conveniently come from the very forces meant to protect them.

If this trend continues, Uganda’s next generation of journalists may need to swap out their press cards for body armor, learn how to dodge tear gas like seasoned street fighters, and possibly, add “combat training” to their resumes—just in case their investigative reporting requires a well-timed roundhouse kick.