The Uganda Journalists Association (UJA) has issued a scathing statement condemning what it describes as an attempt by the administration of the Parliament of Uganda to muzzle the media, following reports that journalists from Nation Media Group (NMG), which runs NTV Uganda, have been indefinitely barred from covering parliamentary proceedings.
In a strongly worded statement issued the body’s seretary general, Emmanuel Kirunda, UJA denounced the move as a “blatant violation” of press freedom and the public’s constitutional right to access information, citing Articles 29(1)(a) and 41 of the 1995 Constitution.
The association argued that Parliament, being a public institution funded by taxpayers, must remain open to all accredited journalists without discrimination or intimidation.
“This is a deliberate attempt to silence independent journalism, stifle transparency, and shield public officials from accountability,” said Kirunda.
“Such an action undermines the principles of democracy and good governance that Parliament is duty-bound to uphold,” he added.
The journalists’ body also pointed to a worrying trend of hostility toward the media by senior government officials, referencing last month’s incident in which Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja reportedly ordered the arrest of Galaxy TV journalist David Mwesigwa after he raised concerns about poor service delivery in government health facilities.
UJA has demanded that the ban on NMG journalists be lifted immediately and unconditionally. It also called on the Office of the Speaker to issue a formal clarification to dispel speculation that parliamentary leadership may have sanctioned the action. The association further urged Parliament to adopt clear and transparent media access policies that uphold journalistic independence and equality.
“If our demands are ignored, we shall announce our next course of action,” Kirunda warned, reaffirming UJA’s commitment to defending press freedom and protecting journalists from intimidation.
“Freedom of the press is not negotiable,” the statement concluded.
