The Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda (HRNJ-Uganda) has launched its 16th edition of the Press Freedom Index Report (PFI), revealing that security agencies were the top perpetrators of press violations in Uganda even in 2024.
The 78 page report, titled “One Step Forward, Two Steps Back: A Slippery Media Landscape,” highlights in detail the challenges faced by journalists in the East African country.
According to the report, HRNJ-Uganda documented a total of 110 incidents involving human rights violations and abuses targeting journalists, media professionals, and media institutions in 2024.
This figure, according to the PFI report, reflects a decline of 12 cases compared to the 122 reported in 2023. However, it marks an increase of 16 cases from the 94 incidents recorded in 2022.
The leading violations were blocked or denied access which stood at (52 cases), followed by assault (25 cases), damage to equipment, 11 cases), arrest (7 cases), and intimidation (3 cases).
The report also notes that the Central region recorded the highest number of incidents, with ninety-six (96) cases, followed by the Northern region with six (6) cases, the Western region with five (5) cases, and the West Nile region with three (3) cases.
In terms of the perpetrators, the report highlights that security agencies were responsible for most of the violations.
On a rather sad note, the report established that state actors found partners in the suppression of press freedom among opposition figures.
In a shocking incident, private bodyguards of the opposition NUP party allegedly physically assaulted journalists covering a funeral.
“The involvement of powerful institutions such as Parliament, the Judiciary, and regulatory authorities in blocking access to information adds a deeply concerning layer to this crisis,” said Mr. Robert Ssempala, Executive Director of HRNJ-Uganda.
“These actors, rather than upholding media freedom, became active participants in its erosion,” he wondered.
The report was launched on May 2, 2025, at Imperial Royale Hotel in Kampala, on an occasion attended by human rights activists, representatives of the embassies of Denmark, Sweden, Ireland, and the Netherlands, and members of HRNJ-Uganda’s Executive Board, who joined forces to finance the report’s compilation and publication.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Julius Esegu, Chairperson of the HRNJ-Uganda Executive Board, appreciated the organization’s partners, including development partners, and emphasized the importance of defending media freedom.
“Let us stand united in defending the rights of journalists and ensuring that the press remains a cornerstone of Uganda’s democratic journey,” he said.
Kirstin Primdal Sutton, the Team Leader, Programme on Accountability, Civic Engagement, and Rights at the Royal Danish Embassy, who represented the Ambassador, stressed the importance of press freedom in promoting democracy and accountability.
“You are the stewards of accountability, democracy, and you are the voice of the voiceless,” Kirstin said, “the title of this report, One Step Forward, Two Steps Back: A Slippery Media Landscape, is both telling and timely.”
Kirstin added, “This report is more than a document. It is a call to action. It calls us to remain vigilant to defend media independence and to uphold the right to free expression as a cornerstone of a democratic society.”
Kirstin also emphasized the need for urgent discussion to find ways to protect both press freedom and public trust.
The report makes several recommendations, including the need for the government to respect and protect press freedom and for institutions to uphold media freedom rather than erode it. The report calls for the establishment of an Independent Media Rights Commission to be a handling center for all media rights abuse and violations clearing house.
It also calls for the development of a national framework to guide the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in journalism and public information.
Over the past five years, HRNJ-Uganda has documented over 600 cases of human rights violations and abuses targeting journalists.
This speaks to the ongoing challenges faced by journalists in Uganda and the need for sustained efforts to promote media freedom.
As the country moves towards the 2026 elections, the importance of a free and independent press cannot be overstated, as journalists play a critical role in holding those in power accountable and providing citizens with accurate information.
The launch of the report coincided with the World Press Freedom Day celebrations, which are observed annually on May 3rd, and this year’s theme emphasizes the importance of press freedom in promoting democracy and development.
The Royal Danish Embassy has been a long-standing partner of HRNJ-Uganda, providing financial and technical support to the organization’s work. The Embassy’s commitment to promoting press freedom and human rights is reflected in its development cooperation strategy.
The HRNJ-Uganda report serves as a call to action for all stakeholders to work together to promote press freedom and democracy in Uganda.
