Journalist bodies in Uganda have announced a sweeping boycott of activities involving the Police and Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) after a series of violent attacks on journalists covering the ongoing by-election in Kawempe North.
Several journalists were assaulted or detained by UPDF soldiers on Thursday, with many having their equipment either destroyed or seized. This violent interference during the coverage of the election has sparked outrage within Uganda’s media community, leading to a united decision to halt all coverage of activities involving these security forces.
During a press briefing in Kampala, Uganda Parliament Press Association (UPPA) president Sam Ibanda Mugabi made the announcement, stating that the decision to boycott was a direct response to the escalating violation of journalists’ rights.
“Going forward, we think journalists need safety and their rights respected, but continued violation of rights is getting out of hand. With immediate effect, we are saying we shall not cover activities of security organs, be it the Police or the UPDF, until we engage the leadership of these security organs on the safety of journalists,” Ibanda said.
Moses Al Sayed Lubega, president of the Uganda Sports Press Association (USPA), emphasized that the decision was a collective one.
“We believe the boycott is in the best interest of media houses and individual journalists to ensure their safety. This environment will no longer allow journalists to do their work,” Lubega said, stressing the unity among the media groups.
Lubega also warned any media houses or journalists who might ignore the boycott, stating that they would be isolated for going against the collective action.
Emmanuel Kirunda, the secretary-general of the Uganda Journalists Association (UJA), described the boycott as a lesson to those who perpetuate impunity
We are deeply concerned as impunity has reached its peak in the country. When impunity takes hold, it signals the breakdown of the rule of law. We are simply saying, enough is enough,” Kirunda said.
He expressed concern that this violent trend could continue leading up to the 2026 general election, urging for immediate action to stop the attacks before they escalate further. Kirunda also demanded that all confiscated equipment be returned and damaged gadgets repaired.
The Executive Director of Human Rights Network for Journalists, Robert Ssempala described the boycott as a noble cause for the journalism fraternity in Uganda.
“If not now, it will be an opportunity lost. There should be no political connotation brought into this matter since we are fighting for our rights.”
This boycott marks a pivotal moment in Uganda’s media landscape, highlighting the urgent need for the protection of journalists and press freedom, especially during election periods when tensions often rise.
The boycott coincides with rising concerns over press freedom in Uganda, especially as the country heads into the 2026 general election. Journalists across Uganda have previously faced threats, harassment, and violence from security forces, leading to increased calls for stronger protections and accountability.
The Kawempe North by-election has brought these issues into sharp focus, with the media’s ability to report freely coming under direct attack.
Journalists are now pushing for an environment where they can carry out their work without fear of violence or intimidation, especially with the political climate becoming increasingly tense ahead of future elections.
