Uganda Newsrooms See Decline in Sexual Harassment: WIN Study

• Sexual harassment in Uganda's newsrooms has declined over the past five years, but remains a widespread problem affecting four out of every ten journalists.
• Women continue to bear the greatest burden of workplace sexual harassment across almost every category.
• The prevalence of verbal harassment was highest among women surveyed, at 77% compared to 45% of men.
• Men reported higher levels of rape than women, with 9% of male respondents saying they had been raped compared to 4% of female respondents.

Women continue to bear the greatest burden of workplace sexual harassment across almost every category.

A recent study by Women in News (WIN) found that sexual harassment in Uganda's newsrooms has decreased over the past five years. The prevalence of sexual harassment dropped from nearly 53% in 2020 to 40% in 2025, affecting four out of every ten journalists. However, women continue to bear the greatest burden of workplace sexual harassment across almost every category. Verbal harassment was the most common form of abuse, affecting 77% of women surveyed compared to 45% of men.

The study, conducted in partnership with St. George's University and BBC Media Action, surveyed 205 journalists from across Uganda, including 116 women and 89 men. Researchers noted that several male survivors reported experiencing repeated assaults but remained silent for fear of losing their jobs. This highlights the need for media organisations to strengthen reporting mechanisms and create safer working environments where complaints can be investigated independently and fairly.

The findings come amidst concerns about press freedom and newsroom conditions in Uganda. Media scholars have highlighted sexual harassment of female journalists as a common practice, but it is rarely documented. The study's recommendations, including the appointment of independent investigators and training for journalists, editors, and owners, aim to prevent sexual harassment and improve workplace responses. Lawyers and compliance officers should be aware of the increased focus on creating safer working environments for journalists in Uganda, which may lead to more stringent reporting mechanisms and independent investigations into complaints.

Lawyers and compliance officers should be aware of the increased focus on creating safer working environments for journalists in Uganda, which may lead to more stringent reporting mechanisms and independent investigations into complaints.

Source: Original reporting via Women in News