Ugandan Journalists Face Repressive Laws and Coercive Practices

• Uganda ranks 131st out of 180 countries on the Reporters Without Borders World Press Freedom Index.
• The Ugandan Constitution guarantees freedom of speech and expression, including media freedom.
• Repressive laws and coercive practices hamper the free flow of information and foster self-censorship among journalists.
• Uganda has an Access to Information Act (2005), but its implementation and effectiveness are often cited as insufficient, making it difficult for journalists to obtain public records and documents.

Despite ranking 131st out of 180 countries on the Reporters Without Borders World Press Freedom Index, Uganda's media landscape is marred by repressive laws and coercive regulatory practices.

Despite ranking 131st out of 180 countries on the Reporters Without Borders World Press Freedom Index, Uganda's media landscape is marred by repressive laws and coercive regulatory practices. Critics argue that these measures hamper the free flow of information and foster self-censorship among journalists. The existence of the Access to Information Act of 2005 notwithstanding, its implementation and effectiveness are often cited as insufficient, making it difficult for journalists to obtain public records and documents necessary for their work.

The Computer Misuse Act amendment in 2022 introduced new offences related to social media misuse, but the Constitutional Court later struck down these provisions as overly broad and vague. This decision has not deterred the government from pursuing similar measures, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by journalists in Uganda.

The Ugandan Constitution guarantees freedom of speech and expression, including media freedom. However, this constitutional protection is undermined by a range of repressive laws and regulations that restrict the activities of journalists. The Computer Misuse Act amendment in 2022 introduced new offences related to social media misuse, which were later struck down as overly broad and vague by the Constitutional Court. This decision highlights the ongoing tension between the government's efforts to regulate online content and the need for a free and independent press.

While Uganda has an Access to Information Act (2005), its perceived lack of clarity or effective implementation also contributes to the challenges faced by journalists in Uganda. Without a robust framework for accessing public records and documents, journalists are often forced to rely on unofficial sources or face obstacles when seeking information of public interest.

The repressive laws and coercive practices faced by Ugandan journalists have significant implications for media freedom in the country. The lack of a free and independent press hampers the ability of citizens to hold the government accountable, perpetuating a culture of self-censorship among journalists. This has serious consequences for the flow of information and the ability of citizens to make informed decisions.

The situation is particularly concerning given that most Ugandans want a free media that helps hold the government accountable, according to Afrobarometer survey findings from 2024. The targeting of journalists during election periods also raises concerns about the safety and security of press freedom in Uganda.

Lawyers advising clients on media engagement in Uganda should be aware of the country's repressive laws and coercive practices, which can hamper the free flow of information and foster self-censorship, and advise their clients to exercise caution when engaging with Ugandan journalists.

Source: Original reporting via AllAfrica