Increased Alarming Attacks on Journalists in Uganda by Security Forces

The state of press freedom in Uganda is once again under the spotlight as 2025 records a disturbing rise in attacks on journalists by security forces. From arbitrary arrests to violent assaults, the operating space for media professionals continues to shrink, making journalism an increasingly dangerous profession in the country.

Journalists that were recording the vote rigging in Kawempe were badly beaten and their Cameras confiscated 😠🙌 pic.twitter.com/BkOZbYav4R

— The good gal 💥😍 ❤️🍷 (@Pliam_) March 12, 2025

A Worsening Crisis

Journalists in Uganda have long faced hostility from state agencies, but the situation in 2025 has escalated to alarming levels. Reports from various press freedom organizations indicate that security forces have carried out numerous attacks against journalists covering protests, political events, and investigative stories that expose corruption and human rights violations.

Uganda Police and military stop brutality against journalists. #Journalismisnotacrime pic.twitter.com/XCuPMjItpn

— Ssenga 🎭 (@Kall_essy) February 17, 2021

Earlier On : The Leader of Opposition Hon. @JoelSsenyonyi paid a courtesy visit to Top TV Journalist Miracle Ibrah who was on Wednesday brutally injured by the Joint Anti-Terrorism (JAT) unit while covering the ongoing nomination exercise for Kawempe North by-election. pic.twitter.com/MVymOYTJFr

— 𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐑𝐎𝐓𝐒 𝐌𝐄𝐃𝐈𝐀 (@parrotsug) February 27, 2025

Why Journalists Are Under Attack

1. Exposure of Corruption: Many journalists who have been attacked were investigating and exposing corruption scandals within the government and security apparatus.
2. Political Intolerance: As Uganda gears up for future elections, the political climate is tense. The media’s role in covering opposition voices and civic activism is increasingly viewed as a threat by authorities.
3. Lack of Accountability: Security forces operate with impunity. Despite widespread documentation of abuses, few officers are held accountable, emboldening further violence.

NMG journalists @abubakerlubowa, @dennis_kabugo and @RaymondTamale, who have been covering the #KawempeByElection, are missing. It is believed that they were arrested by security personel. NBS TV journalists Francis Isaano and Hakim Wampamba were also arrested. #NTVNews pic.twitter.com/D6YomJJ6SG

— NTV UGANDA (@ntvuganda) March 13, 2025

VIDEO: @nbstv’s Photo Journalist @francis_isano has been hospitalized after being assaulted by security operatives while covering the ongoing Kawempe North by-election.

Details to follow…#NBSUpdates #KawempeNorthByElection pic.twitter.com/8SU4HK99rh

— NBS Television (@nbstv) March 13, 2025

We are literally running for safety. Why is Security targeting journalists? pic.twitter.com/UgRJIjn0id

— Canary Mugume (@CanaryMugume) March 13, 2025

Imagine beating a journalist to near death, a poor Man doing his work, Inter religious Council will blame Ugandans for being aggressive,

Carry on pic.twitter.com/sLvjpxlXkf

— Brooke W. Kikomeko (@williamkikomeko) March 12, 2025

Police Spokesperson Mike Kituuma speaks on journalists being brutalized by security forces in the Kawempe By-election.

Why is security targeting journalists in the Kawempe North by election? I don’t get it.
I put these questions to Police Spokesperson @mkituuma. @nbstv #NBSLiveAt9 pic.twitter.com/xq2iDvtxef

— Canary Mugume (@CanaryMugume) March 12, 2025

How Long Shall We Wait?

For how long shall journalists in Uganda endure this violence? How many more must be beaten, arrested, or killed before real action is taken? Year after year, we hear apologies from authorities, empty promises of investigations, and commitments to protect press freedom yet nothing changes.

Impact on Aspiring and Practicing Journalists

The ongoing attacks on journalists are not just a threat to those in the profession today, they are a warning to aspiring journalists who are passionate about truth-telling. Many young people who dream of becoming reporters may now think twice, questioning whether it is worth the risk. The profession is slowly being robbed of its vibrancy, as fear replaces the passion that once drove media practitioners. For those already in the field, the constant threats and violence lead to self-censorship, burnout, and in some cases, forced exile. Journalism should not be a profession of fear, it should be a profession of courage, accountability, and service to the public. If the attacks continue, Uganda risks losing some of its finest journalistic voices, leaving the public in the dark.

Journalism & Communication lecturer at Uganda Christian University, John Ssemakula speaks on the effect to aspiring students

Now why are security forces beating up JournaIists? What have they done? Kyov’olaba nze I graduated from Makerere & started asking TikTok Questions!🙌🏽🙌🏽

— ISHMAEL. (@Ishmaelthehost) March 13, 2025

If you are going to keep on assaulting journalists especially as we head into the 2026 elections, then cancel the whole election cycle maybe. That way our families can be sure they won't bury us soon maybe.#JournalismIsNotACrime

— Dan Ayebare (@DanAyebare) March 13, 2025