Da Dona
JF-Expert Member
- Dec 16, 2025
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- 329
Uganda has registered an improvement in global press freedom rankings, moving up 12 places in the 2026 World Press Freedom Index released by Reporters Without Borders (RSF). The country is now ranked 131 out of 180 countries, an improvement from its 143rd position in 2025.
📸: VOA
According to the report, Uganda’s status has shifted from a “very serious” to a “difficult” press freedom situation, indicating slight progress in the media environment. However, despite this improvement, significant challenges persist, particularly the continued criminalisation of journalism in Uganda and across the Great Lakes region.
RSF notes that journalists in Uganda continue to face intimidation and violence on an almost daily basis, with security agencies identified as the leading perpetrators of attacks, especially during election periods.
The report further highlights that journalists who seek accountability from government authorities are often pushed out of their jobs without due process, forced into self-censorship, or compelled to produce stories that favour those in power.
It also points to President Yoweri Museveni’s intolerance of criticism, stating that he and his allies frequently direct hostile remarks toward the media. The report recalls previous instances where the President threatened independent media outlets, including the Daily Monitor, and claimed to have deployed individuals to monitor its operations.
Additionally, the report raises concerns over the growing political and military influence of Museveni’s son, who has reportedly issued threats against journalists critical of the government. It further notes that the government maintains control over the media regulator, raising questions about independence in the sector.
Journalists who criticise authorities or report on human rights issues reportedly face reprisals such as arrests, abductions, physical violence, and confiscation of equipment. The report cites incidents in 2025 where around 20 journalists were assaulted during the Kawempe by-elections, mainly by security forces including the army and the Joint Anti-Terrorism Taskforce (JATT). During the 2026 presidential election, at least five more journalists were targeted.
The RSF report also notes an increase in surveillance of journalists, particularly since the establishment of a specialised security unit in 2017 tasked with monitoring journalists’ social media activity.
Regionally, Kenya ranks highest in East Africa at position 106, followed by Tanzania (117), South Sudan (118), Burundi (119), Somalia (126), the Democratic Republic of Congo (130), and Rwanda at 139.
Across Sub-Saharan Africa, RSF warns that press freedom continues to decline, driven by political instability, armed conflicts, economic challenges, and increasing criminalisation of journalism.
In a related report focusing on the Great Lakes region, President Museveni was named among “press freedom predators,” a designation given to leaders accused of systematically undermining media freedom through censorship, intimidation, or repression. Other leaders named include Rwanda’s Paul Kagame, DRC’s Félix Tshisekedi, Burundi’s Évariste Ndayishimiye, Tanzania’s Samia Suluhu, and Kenya’s William Ruto.
The report describes such individuals as major enemies of press freedom who suppress independent journalism with impunity. It also highlights broader risks faced by journalists in the region, including arrests, financial insecurity, restrictive laws, and pressure to self-censor.
Despite the criticisms, Senior Presidential Press Secretary Sandor Walusimbi defended the government, questioning the credibility of external assessments. He argued that those making such judgments may not fully understand the realities within the country and maintained that the President’s message has always centred on peace.
Source: Daily Monitor UG
According to the report, Uganda’s status has shifted from a “very serious” to a “difficult” press freedom situation, indicating slight progress in the media environment. However, despite this improvement, significant challenges persist, particularly the continued criminalisation of journalism in Uganda and across the Great Lakes region.
RSF notes that journalists in Uganda continue to face intimidation and violence on an almost daily basis, with security agencies identified as the leading perpetrators of attacks, especially during election periods.
The report further highlights that journalists who seek accountability from government authorities are often pushed out of their jobs without due process, forced into self-censorship, or compelled to produce stories that favour those in power.
It also points to President Yoweri Museveni’s intolerance of criticism, stating that he and his allies frequently direct hostile remarks toward the media. The report recalls previous instances where the President threatened independent media outlets, including the Daily Monitor, and claimed to have deployed individuals to monitor its operations.
Additionally, the report raises concerns over the growing political and military influence of Museveni’s son, who has reportedly issued threats against journalists critical of the government. It further notes that the government maintains control over the media regulator, raising questions about independence in the sector.
Journalists who criticise authorities or report on human rights issues reportedly face reprisals such as arrests, abductions, physical violence, and confiscation of equipment. The report cites incidents in 2025 where around 20 journalists were assaulted during the Kawempe by-elections, mainly by security forces including the army and the Joint Anti-Terrorism Taskforce (JATT). During the 2026 presidential election, at least five more journalists were targeted.
The RSF report also notes an increase in surveillance of journalists, particularly since the establishment of a specialised security unit in 2017 tasked with monitoring journalists’ social media activity.
Regionally, Kenya ranks highest in East Africa at position 106, followed by Tanzania (117), South Sudan (118), Burundi (119), Somalia (126), the Democratic Republic of Congo (130), and Rwanda at 139.
Across Sub-Saharan Africa, RSF warns that press freedom continues to decline, driven by political instability, armed conflicts, economic challenges, and increasing criminalisation of journalism.
In a related report focusing on the Great Lakes region, President Museveni was named among “press freedom predators,” a designation given to leaders accused of systematically undermining media freedom through censorship, intimidation, or repression. Other leaders named include Rwanda’s Paul Kagame, DRC’s Félix Tshisekedi, Burundi’s Évariste Ndayishimiye, Tanzania’s Samia Suluhu, and Kenya’s William Ruto.
The report describes such individuals as major enemies of press freedom who suppress independent journalism with impunity. It also highlights broader risks faced by journalists in the region, including arrests, financial insecurity, restrictive laws, and pressure to self-censor.
Despite the criticisms, Senior Presidential Press Secretary Sandor Walusimbi defended the government, questioning the credibility of external assessments. He argued that those making such judgments may not fully understand the realities within the country and maintained that the President’s message has always centred on peace.
Source: Daily Monitor UG
