Journalists urged to prepare for 2026 polls

The National Coalition of Human Rights Defenders Uganda (NCHRDU) has urged journalists to equip themselves adequately as the country approaches the 2025 election campaigns.

While commemorating the International Human Rights Defenders Day in Kampala yesterday, Mr Robert Sempala, the executive director of the Human Rights Network for Journalists, said during campaigns, the police and army often perceive journalists as inciters of violence.

“They see journalists as those who incite violence, are biased, and lack objectivity. They use these excuses to attack them. We must not give our enemies any reason to target us. Journalists should practice due diligence, position themselves wisely, and form alliances with supportive groups,” Mr Sempala said.

He also urged media houses to ensure journalists are equipped with safety and security skills.

Mr Robert Kirenga, the executive director of NCHRDU, commended journalists and human rights defenders who have stood firm in seeking justice.

“The government is responsible for everyone’s rights and perpetrators of violations are punished appropriately to deter further abuses,” he said.

Journalists have been harassed, beaten, and arrested while covering campaigns and elections. Mr Ashraf Kasirye, a journalist who was known for covering Opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, aka Bobi Wine, was allegedly shot in the head by security forces in Masaka District during a campaign trail in 2020. He survived but sustained severe injuries.

2022 report 

The 2022 Uganda Human Rights Commission annual report on the state of human rights and freedoms in Uganda revealed that the highest number of complaints of human rights violations registered by the commission were against the Uganda Police force.