Threats to Press Freedom in Uganda: Human Rights Watch Exposes Government Intimidation

Strategic Insights -

Government officials and supporters in Uganda are using intimidation and violence to silence journalists who are critical of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party, Human Rights Watch reported on May 3, 2010. The organization documented 30 cases of independent journalists being summoned by police or charged with crimes such as sedition and promoting sectarianism for criticizing the government or reporting opposing views. Journalists, especially those in rural areas, face threats, harassment, and violence for reporting on sensitive topics, leading to a "chilling effect" on their coverage of current affairs and news.

Key Takeaways:

  • Human Rights Watch released a 60-page report, "A Media Minefield: Increased Threats to Freedom of Expression in Uganda," documenting 30 cases of journalists being summoned by police or charged with crimes for criticizing the government or reporting opposing views.
  • Journalists in Uganda are facing increasing threats from government officials and NRM party members, including intimidation, harassment, and violence for reporting on sensitive topics.
  • Uganda's media regulatory system is partisan and does not tolerate criticism of the governing party.
  • Journalists, especially those in rural areas, are being threatened with violence, arrest, and station closings for reporting on "controversial" local issues.
  • Over 30 independent journalists have been summoned by the police or charged with crimes since the previous political campaigns in 2005.
  • Proposed draft amendments to the Press and Journalist Act would require annual licensing of print media and permit the government to deny a license if it disagrees with a newspaper's "social, cultural and economic values."
  • Journalists reported that the government's unpredictable reaction to political reporting and analysis is having a "chilling effect" on their current affairs and news coverage.
  • The report highlighted the importance of an independent commission of experts to investigate allegations of intimidation of the Ugandan media.

Statistics:

  • 30: The number of cases documented by Human Rights Watch of independent journalists being summoned by police or charged with crimes for criticizing the government or reporting opposing views.
  • 4: The number of Kampala radio stations shut down without notice or hearing during the riots in September 2009.
  • 40: The number of people killed during the riots in Kampala in September 2009.
  • 24: The number of years the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party has been in power.

Sources:

  • Human Rights Watch/All Africa Global Media via COMTEX
  • AllAfrica.com
  • United Nations General Assembly (proclaimed World Press Freedom Day in 1993)
  • Uganda's Press and Journalist Act (current laws require amendment to comply with international human rights standards)