Veteran Journalist Timothy Kalyegira Remanded Over Operating Illegal Online Platforms

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Veteran journalist Timothy Kalyegira, popularly known as Nyakahuma, has been remanded after appearing before the Kira Chief Magistrate's Court on charges of broadcasting without a licence, contrary to the Uganda Communications Act.

The 58-year-old, a resident of Kira Municipality in Wakiso District, was arraigned on Monday following investigations by Kira Division Police under Criminal Reference Book (CRB) 475/2026. He denied both charges when they were read to him in court.

According to the charge sheet prepared by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), Kalyegira is accused of operating two media platforms without obtaining the mandatory broadcasting licence from the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC).

The first count alleges that between 2013 and 2026, Kalyegira broadcast content through The Kampala Express, described by prosecutors as a video production and media consulting platform, without a licence from the UCC. The second count alleges that between 2014 and 2026, he operated The Uganda Records, an online publication platform, broadcasting content in Kampala, Wakiso and other parts of Uganda without the required authorisation. Both charges are brought under Section 28(1) and (2) of the Uganda Communications Act, Cap 103, which requires all broadcasters to obtain licences before offering broadcasting services.

The prosecution did not immediately reveal the evidence it intends to rely on during trial. The case comes amid increased regulatory scrutiny of online publishers and digital broadcasters, with authorities maintaining that anyone engaged in broadcasting activities must comply with licensing requirements established under Ugandan law.

Kalyegira is a well-known journalist and political commentator who has worked for several media organisations over the years and currently publishes content through online platforms. His prosecution has drawn attention within media circles, with journalists and free-expression advocates closely watching the case over its potential implications for independent digital media and online.

Source: Daily Monitor UG​
 
From Archive

28 May 2025

Is Uganda safe? - Timothy Kalyegira on the Hard Questions show

View: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=yWUZ00GmxLQ
In this edisode, I sit down with Timothy Kalyegira, a seasoned journalist and political analyst, to unpack the escalating tensions surrounding Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s controversial actions. From his provocative tweets threatening EU ambassadors to the detention and alleged torture of Eddie Mutwe, we explore how these incidents are straining Uganda-EU relations. Will the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) party’s planned peaceful demonstration proceed amidst this crackdown? Timothy offers his sharp analysis on Muhoozi’s basement boast, the military’s role, and the broader implications for Uganda’s democracy.

Source : AIIJ
 
30 June 2026

Timothy Kalyegira Abducted: What He Said About Muhoozi.

View: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=6XcadcFE5BAAnother outspoken Museveni regime critic has joined the growing list of Ugandans facing arrest after speaking out against CDF Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba.Veteran journalist, commentator and photographer Timothy Kalyegira vanished for four days, sparking concern over his whereabouts. When he finally resurfaced, it emerged that he had been in the hands of security operatives before being produced in court.

Prosecutors formally charged him with operating The Uganda Records without a broadcasting licence from the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), and he was remanded to Luzira Prison until July 16, 2026.

But many Ugandans are asking a different question.Why now?For years, Kalyegira has been one of the country's most outspoken political commentators, frequently publishing sharp critiques of Muhoozi Kainerugaba and the direction of Uganda's politics.

To his supporters, the licensing charge is merely the official explanation, while the real reason for his arrest is his relentless criticism of the First Son and CDF.His case now joins a growing list of government critics who have faced arrest, detention or prosecution after publicly challenging Muhoozi.

In this commentary, I examine Timothy Kalyegira's disappearance, the charges brought against him, the commentaries that may have placed him in the spotlight, and why many Ugandans believe this case is about far more than an alleged broadcasting licence
Source : Mordecai Muriisa Live
 


30 Juni 2026
Kampala, Uganda

Timothy Kalyegira Atekwa: Alichosema Kuhusu Muhoozi.

View: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=6XcadcFE5BAMkosoaji mwingine mkubwa wa serikali ya Museveni amejiunga na orodha inayoongezeka ya Waganda wanaokabiliwa na kukamatwa baada ya kumzungumzia dhidi ya CDF Jenerali Muhoozi Kainerugaba.

Mwandishi wa habari mkongwe nguli mchambuzi na mpiga picha Timothy Kalyegira alitoweka kwa siku nne, na kusababisha wasiwasi kuhusu mahali alipo.

Hatimaye alipoibuka tena, ilibainika kwamba alikuwa mikononi mwa maafisa wa usalama kabla ya kuburuzwa kufikishwa mahakamani.

Waendesha mashtaka wamemshtaki rasmi kwa kuendesha The Uganda Records bila leseni ya utangazaji kutoka Tume ya Mawasiliano ya Uganda (UCC), na amerudishwa rumande katika Gereza la Luzira hadi Julai 16, 2026.

Lakini Waganda wengi wanauliza maswali tofauti. Kwa nini sasa? Kwa miaka mingi, Timothy Kalyegira amekuwa mmoja wa wachambuzi wa kisiasa wenye usemi mkubwa nchini, mara kwa mara akichapisha ukosoaji mkali wa Muhoozi Kainerugaba almaarufu MK na mwelekeo wa siasa za Uganda.

Kwa wafuasi wake, shtaka la leseni ni maelezo rasmi tu, huku sababu halisi ya kukamatwa kwake ikiwa ni ukosoaji wake usiokoma dhidi ya Mwana wa Kwanza mtoto wa rais na CDF.

Kesi yake sasa inajiunga na orodha inayoongezeka ya wakosoaji wa serikali ambao wamekabiliwa na kukamatwa, kuwekwa kizuizini au kushtakiwa baada ya kumpinga Muhoozi hadharani.

Katika ufafanuzi huu, ninachunguza kutoweka kwa Timothy Kalyegira, mashtaka yaliyoletwa dhidi yake, maoni ambayo huenda yalimtia kwenye rada ya uangalizi wa vyombo vya usalama, na kwa nini Waganda wengi wanaamini kesi hii ni zaidi ya leseni ya utangazaji inayodaiwa.
Chanzo : Mordekai Muriisa Live
 
In a state without press freedom, such insights always put journalist's work in trouble, probably it's why he is being frustrated.
 
Update:
Veteran journalist and political commentator Timothy Kalyegira has been granted cash bail of Shs650,000 by the Kira Chief Magistrate's Court, days after he was remanded over allegations of operating online media platforms without a broadcasting licence. The court directed him to return on August 4, 2026, for further proceedings.

Kalyegira was charged with two counts of broadcasting without a licence under the Uganda Communications Act. Prosecutors allege that between 2013 and 2026, he operated The Kampala Express, and between 2014 and 2026, The Uganda Records, without licences issued by the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC). He has denied both charges.

During the bail hearing, the State opposed his release, arguing that Kalyegira's large social media following could influence or intimidate witnesses. Prosecutors also questioned whether he had proved a fixed place of residence and challenged one of his proposed sureties. After hearing submissions from both sides, the magistrate granted bail.

Kalyegira's arrest followed several days of uncertainty over his whereabouts before he was produced in court earlier this week. His appearance in handcuffs drew public attention and renewed debate over media freedom and the regulation of online publishers in Uganda.

A veteran journalist and political commentator, Kalyegira has written extensively on governance, politics and security affairs. His prosecution has attracted concern from media rights advocates, who argue that the case could have wider implications for independent journalism and digital publishing in Uganda.

Nile post UG
 
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