The Uganda Parliamentary Press Association (UPPA) marked World Press Freedom Day 2025 with a high-level dialogue at Parliament on May 2, ahead of the global observance on May 3.
The theme of the discussion, “Exploring the Challenges, Opportunities, and the Future of Media Freedom in Uganda’s Democratic Process,” centered on the critical role of media in a functioning democracy and the urgent need for reforms to protect press freedom in Uganda, especially as the country approaches the 2026 general elections.
The event attracted members of Parliament, media practitioners, civil society leaders, and other key stakeholders, who engaged in candid discussions on Uganda’s press freedom landscape and pressed for immediate reforms.
Speaking at the dialogue, Leader of the Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi also painted a sobering picture of Uganda’s media landscape, describing it as increasingly threatened by financial instability and political interference.
He emphasized that a vibrant democracy relies on a free and independent press.
“The media in Uganda is under siege. Democracy cannot exist in the dark. It needs scrutiny, transparency, and public involvement,” Ssenyonyi asserted.
He also called out some media houses on exploitative practices, where journalists are sent to remote areas with little support or pay.
“You send journalists to distant areas with no lunch, no pay for months; how do you expect them to deliver?” he questioned.
The UPPA President Enoch Matovu also underscored the pressing need for practical support for journalists in Uganda, emphasizing the importance of affordable digital access and enhanced safety measures for media professionals to operate effectively and without fear.
“Internet is a lifeline for our work, yet it remains expensive. Reducing this cost will empower journalists to serve the public better,” Matovu explained.
He also stressed the importance of engaging with government and security agencies to prevent incidents like the violent attack on journalists in Kawempe, ensuring that such occurrences never happen again.
“We must ensure such incidents like the disaster in Kawempe by-elections never happen again,” Matovu noted.
Additionally, Charity Ahimbisibwe from the Citizens’ Coalition for Electoral Democracy (CCEDU) expressed growing concerns over the intimidation of journalists, particularly during election periods.
“Elections are not supposed to be war. When violence occurs, the integrity of the entire process is compromised,” Ahimbisibwe said.
She also criticized the summoning of journalists to ideological training camps in Kyankwanzi instead of journalism schools.
”Instead of summoning journalists to Kyankwanzi, UCC should visit journalism schools to understand how professionals are trained,’’ Ahimbisibwe stated.
However, Julius Mucunguzi, spokesperson for the Electoral Commission, highlighted the indispensable role of the media in ensuring the credibility of Uganda’s elections.
“A credible election requires a free and independent media. Without it, we can’t uphold the principles of participation and fairness,” Mucunguzi noted. ”Reinforcing that the media is integral to ensuring transparency during the electoral process.’’
The dialogue concluded with a unified commitment to protect journalists, promote professionalism, and safeguard media freedom in Uganda. As the country prepares for the 2026 general elections, the conversation emphasized the need for concerted efforts from all sectors of society to ensure that the press remains independent, fair, and able to perform its critical role in upholding democracy.
