Ugandan Media: 40% of Journalists Face Harassment, Take It Seriously

• A 2025 global report on media sexual harassment found that 40% of Ugandan journalists experienced harassment last year.
• This figure represents four in every ten journalists, who faced verbal, physical, or online harassment.
• The current 40% prevalence is a 13 percentage point decrease from the 53% reported in a 2020 survey.
• Despite the improvement, the high rate indicates a persistent challenge within the Ugandan media sector.

To truly foster an equitable and safe working environment, it is imperative to take sexual harassment seriously, moving beyond mere acknowledgment to implementing robust preventative measures, clear reporting mechanisms, and effective accountability frameworks.

A recent global assessment, released in 2025, has shed light on the persistent issue of sexual harassment within the media sector, specifically highlighting conditions for journalists in Uganda. The comprehensive study indicates that in the past year, four out of every ten Ugandan journalists, representing 40 percent of the surveyed population, experienced some form of sexual harassment. This pervasive issue manifested across various forms, including verbal abuse, physical encounters, and online harassment.

The current findings, while still concerning, mark a notable shift from previous data. The same global report series had previously documented a higher prevalence rate of 53 percent in its 2020 survey. This comparison reveals a 13 percentage point reduction in the reported incidence of sexual harassment among Ugandan journalists over the intervening period. Despite this improvement, the continued high rate underscores an ongoing challenge within the profession.

The focus on media professionals in a global report underscores the unique vulnerabilities faced by those in the industry. Journalists often operate in dynamic and sometimes unpredictable environments, which can unfortunately create conditions ripe for various forms of harassment. The inclusion of verbal, physical, and online harassment as categories reflects the multifaceted nature of these experiences, acknowledging that harm can extend beyond direct physical contact to encompass psychological and digital forms of abuse.

The fact that a global report is tracking these trends suggests a recognition of sexual harassment as a significant barrier to professional integrity and safety across international media landscapes. While the specific data provided pertains to Uganda, the context of a "global report" implies that similar issues are being monitored or are prevalent elsewhere, making the Ugandan statistics a critical data point in a larger worldwide conversation about workplace safety and equality in media.

While the 13 percent decrease in reported sexual harassment from 53 percent to 40 percent is a positive development, signaling some progress in awareness or intervention efforts, the current figure remains alarmingly high. A situation where two out of every five journalists face harassment annually indicates a systemic problem that continues to undermine professional well-being and potentially journalistic independence. Such an environment can deter individuals from entering or remaining in the profession, particularly women, and can impact the quality and diversity of media output.

The continued prevalence of sexual harassment, even with a decline, necessitates sustained and serious attention from media organizations, regulatory bodies, and civil society. To truly foster an equitable and safe working environment, it is imperative to take sexual harassment seriously, moving beyond mere acknowledgment to implementing robust preventative measures, clear reporting mechanisms, and effective accountability frameworks. The journey towards eradicating such misconduct is clearly ongoing.

The implications of these findings extend beyond individual journalists to the broader media ecosystem and society at large. When journalists are subjected to harassment, their ability to perform their duties effectively, report freely, and hold power accountable can be compromised. Fear of reprisal or further harassment can lead to self-censorship, impacting the public's right to information and the overall health of democratic discourse.

Furthermore, the data serves as a stark reminder that professional environments, even those dedicated to public service, are not immune to pervasive societal issues. Addressing sexual harassment in the media is not just about protecting individual workers; it is about upholding the integrity of a vital profession and ensuring that those who inform the public can do so without fear or intimidation. The ongoing monitoring through global reports highlights the critical need for continuous vigilance and proactive measures.

Source: Original reporting via The Observer Media Ltd.