With the 2026 general elections looming, the Uganda Journalists Association (UJA) has formally petitioned the Electoral Commission (EC), demanding immediate and concrete action to protect journalists covering the electoral process.
In a letter addressed to EC Chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama, UJA cited a disturbing rise in violence against media workers during past electoral exercises, pointing specifically to the March 13, 2025 Kawempe North by-election, where dozens of journalists were reportedly assaulted by security forces.
According to the association, at least 36 journalists and media drivers were injured during that by-election while covering events on the ground. The perpetrators allegedly included members of both the Uganda Police Force and the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF).
Several journalists also had their professional equipment—phones, cameras, and live broadcast units—forcefully taken and never returned.
“These grave atrocities were a deprivation of their right to freedom of speech and expression… as enshrined under Article 29(1)(a) of the Constitution,” the petition reads.
UJA President Mathias Rukundo is urging the Commission to break its silence and take responsibility for creating an enabling and safe environment for the media in the lead-up to the 2026 polls.
“We kindly request the Electoral Commission to urgently pronounce itself on how the protection of journalists will be ensured, considering the Kawempe by-election violence to which many fell victim and succumbed to grave and or permanent injuries,” Rukundo stated.
Beyond just raising concern, UJA laid out a detailed proposal that includes: A public commitment from the EC affirming journalists’ safety during elections, A multi-stakeholder dialogue involving the EC, security agencies, and media bodies to agree on protocols and responsibilities, a Capacity-building trainings for journalists on electoral coverage and a formal partnership between UJA and the EC to design long-term mechanisms for protecting media professionals
Rukundo stressed that the time to act is now if the country is to avoid a repeat of previous violence against the press.
“These steps,” he added, “will help lay out a fertile ground for the requisite solutions and mechanisms against the prevailing journalist safety concerns.”
As Uganda heads into a critical electoral season, the ball is now in the EC’s court to demonstrate whether press freedom and journalist safety will be upheld—or once again pushed to the sidelines.
