Under Siege: The Struggles of Uganda’s Independent Media

October 2023
KAMPALA, Uganda—In a small, dimly lit newsroom in the heart of Kampala, a team of journalists huddles around a computer, editing a story they hope will expose corruption within a government ministry. The air is tense; they know the risks. In Uganda, where press freedom is under constant threat, independent media outlets face mounting challenges—from legal harassment and intimidation to outright censorship.
Uganda’s independent media has long been a beacon of hope in a region where authoritarian regimes often dominate the narrative. But in recent years, journalists and media organizations have found themselves under siege, battling a government that views critical reporting as a threat to its authority.

A Shrinking Space for Free Press
The decline of press freedom in Uganda is not new, but it has accelerated in recent years. According to Reporters Without Borders, Uganda ranks 132nd out of 180 countries in the 2023 World Press Freedom Index, a drop from previous years. The government, led by President Yoweri Museveni since 1986, has increasingly used legal and extralegal means to silence dissent.
Laws such as the Computer Misuse Act and the Anti-Terrorism Act have been weaponized to target journalists. In 2022, the government introduced the controversial Uganda Communications (Amendment) Bill, which grants authorities sweeping powers to regulate media content and shut down outlets deemed “unpatriotic.”
“The space for independent journalism is shrinking every day,” said Patricia Akello, a veteran journalist with over 15 years of experience. “We are constantly looking over our shoulders, wondering if we’ll be the next target.”

Intimidation and Violence
For many journalists, the risks go beyond legal harassment. Physical intimidation, arrests, and even violence have become commonplace. In August 2023, investigative reporter David Katumba was arrested while covering a protest against rising fuel prices. He was held for three days without charge, a tactic often used to intimidate journalists into silence.
Female journalists face additional challenges, including online harassment and gender-based violence. “I’ve received countless threats on social media, and some of them are deeply personal,” said Sarah Namutebi, a reporter for an independent online outlet. “But I refuse to be silenced.”

The Role of Social Media
As traditional media faces increasing pressure, many Ugandans have turned to social media for news and information. Platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube have become vital tools for independent journalists and activists. However, these platforms are not immune to government interference.
In 2021, during the lead-up to the presidential election, the government shut down the internet and blocked access to social media platforms for several days. Critics argue that such actions are designed to stifle dissent and prevent the spread of information.
“Social media is a double-edged sword,” said Robert Ssempala, executive director of the Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda. “It gives us a platform to reach a wider audience, but it also makes us more vulnerable to surveillance and censorship.”

The Economic Squeeze
Independent media outlets are also grappling with financial challenges. Advertising revenue, a key source of funding, has dried up as businesses fear retaliation from the government for supporting critical outlets. Many media organizations have been forced to downsize or shut down altogether.
“We’re fighting a battle on multiple fronts,” said John Mugabi, editor of an independent newspaper. “Not only are we dealing with government pressure, but we’re also struggling to keep the lights on.”

A Glimmer of Hope
Despite the challenges, Uganda’s independent media continues to resist. Journalists are finding innovative ways to tell stories, from using encrypted messaging apps to collaborating with international media organizations. Civil society groups and human rights defenders are also stepping up to support journalists under threat.
“We know the risks, but we also know the importance of our work,” said Akello. “If we don’t tell these stories, who will?”

The Road Ahead
As Uganda approaches the 2026 general elections, the stakes for independent media are higher than ever. With the government showing no signs of easing its crackdown, journalists must navigate an increasingly hostile environment.
The international community has a role to play in supporting Uganda’s independent media. Advocacy, funding, and diplomatic pressure can help create a safer space for journalists to operate. But ultimately, the fight for press freedom must be led by Ugandans themselves.

“We are under siege, but we are not defeated,” said Namutebi. “Our voices matter, and we will continue to speak truth to power, no matter the cost.”

This article was produced with contributions from journalists, activists, and media experts in Uganda.
Patricia Namusoke is a journalist covering press freedom and human rights in East Africa.
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