Uganda is set to hold its general election on January 15, 2026 in an environment that is clearly unfriendly to free media and civil liberties.
President Museveni’s government – in power since 1986 – has sent out frightening signals to the media and the public that it is rolling out a raft of measures to throw a sheath of secrecy over the anticipated polls, largely calculated to retain the status quo in office.
For instance, on January 5, the government revealed that it was placing a ban on the live broadcasting of what it deems “unlawful processions,” riots, and other violent demonstrations ahead of the general election.
“Live broadcasting or streaming of riots, unlawful processions, or violent incidents is prohibited, as it can escalate tensions and spread panic,” the Ministry of Information, Communication, and Technology said in a statement. Critics, including opposition figures and international observers have fingered the measures, saying they infringe on democratic principles and curb free expression.
This latest official declaration, a brazen affront against media freedoms and the public’s right of access to information, followed a number of physical attacks on journalists, opposition candidates and their supporters. It also brings back sad memories of past election-related violence against journalists and the politicians running against President Museveni’s National Resistance Movement (NRM). The ruling party has twice amended the constitution to remove presidential term and age limits, ensuring his extended tenure.
Before its 2021 general election, Ugandan authorities cracked down on the candidate and supporters of Museveni’s biggest opposition, Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine) of the National Unity Platform (NUP). More than 50 died and scores more were injured.
The only formidable pushback against the government’s decisive push to frustrate the opposition and arrogantly abridge media and public freedoms is the unity of all entities of goodwill. Every direct and indirect participant in the elections, local and international election observers, and the international community must take determined steps to ensure Ugandans participate in free, fair, and credible elections.
Media owners, for example, must provide their journalists with the right facilities for covering elections including modern mobile phones, internet access, vehicles, and enough stipend to enable them afford the necessary amenities for election coverage. If possible, reporters must be kitted appropriately, complete with jackets branded as “Press” or “Media” for instantaneous recognition by the security forces and those managing the elections.
Of course journalists must be professional and conduct themselves with decorum, even when provoked by security forces and political party apologists. They must also be fair, balanced in their reportage, and ensure they fact-check information before relaying to the public.
Uganda’s media council, the civil society, local and international election observers should ensure that journalists are offered protection, and that they are assisted with the right data and incident narrations during the challenging moments of covering the elections.
The security forces should understand and appreciate the reality that free, fair, transparent and credible elections are for the good of the entire country, regardless of one’s political leaning, and that it is time Uganda got it right first time on elections.
It is encouraging that a number of organisations have expressed their fearful concerns over the latest attempts by the government to pre-determine the election outcome in favour of the incumbent, even as they called for peace and conflict-sensitive journalism. They include the United Nations, the African Union’s African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR), and the local media council, unions, and the civil society.
Lesson learnt? Under Article 61 of the 1995 Constitution, Uganda’s Electoral Commission (EC) holds the exclusive mandate to organise, conduct, and supervise elections, including the declaration of results. On the other hand, the Computer Misuse Act, the Uganda Communications Act, and the Data Protection and Privacy Act, 2019, regulate online conduct, misinformation and the use of digital platforms. These are instruments that the government must not manipulate to deny Ugandans and the media the right to free, fair, and credible elections.
