Journalists in Kampala turned to prayer over the weekend, seeking divine intervention amid rising violence and intimidation faced while carrying out their work.
Media practitioners gathered on March 14, 2026, at All Saints Cathedral Nakasero for a thanksgiving mass organized by the Uganda Journalists Association and the Uganda Parliamentary Press Association.
The service, presided over by Rt, Rev, Canon Jackson F. Balwa, the Assistant Bishop of the Diocese of Kampala, highlighted growing concerns about attacks on journalists and the shrinking space for media access to information.
In his sermon based on Deuteronomy 28, Bishop Balwa described journalists as society’s watchdogs responsible for exposing corruption, ensuring transparency and informing citizens.
He acknowledged that many reporters perform this duty under difficult conditions, including poor pay and growing hostility from authorities.
Leaders of the journalism fraternity used the gathering to raise alarm over increasing incidents of violence.
Emmanuel Kirunda, Secretary General of the Uganda Journalists Association, cited the assault of Silaje Kiveru, a camera operator with NBS TV, who was allegedly attacked by enforcement officers from the Kampala Capital City Authority while covering an operation against street vendors in downtown Kampala. He said complaints were reportedly filed with authorities, but no resolution has yet been reached.
Another journalist, Miracle Ibrahim of Top TV, recounted being assaulted by security forces while reporting on the Kawempe North by-election 2026, where Elias Nalukoola Luyimbazi of the National Unity Platform was a candidate.
Officials attending the service acknowledged the media’s role in democracy. Julius Mucunguzi, spokesperson of the Electoral Commission of Uganda, thanked journalists for supporting credible elections and pledged continued cooperation.
However, journalists argued that the gap between legal protections such as Uganda’s Access to Information Act and realities on the ground remains wide.
As the mass concluded, the message from journalists was clear: beyond prayer, meaningful protection and accountability are urgently needed to safeguard press freedom in Uganda.
