The Uganda Journalists Association (UJA) has condemned what it terms as an attempt by the administration of Parliament to muzzle media freedom, following reports that journalists from Nation Media Group (NMG) which operates NTV Uganda, were barred from covering parliamentary proceedings.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, UJA described the move as “a blatant violation of the constitutional right to freedom of the press and access to information,” citing Articles 29(1)(a) and 41 of the 1995 Constitution.
It should be recalled that on Tuesday (October 28) NTV and Daily Monitor reporters were denied entry into Parliament and had their accreditation tags withdrawn by security officers over yet to establish reasons. The journalists were reportedly told that they had “instructions not to let them in,” without any official explanation.
Information circulating within Parliament suggests that the decision came after NTV aired a series of stories highlighting “unopposed candidates” in the upcoming parliamentary leadership races, including the Speaker and Deputy Speaker, a move said to have angered the top leadership of the House.
“Parliament, as the people’s House, is a public institution funded by taxpayers and must remain open to scrutiny and coverage by all accredited media platforms without discrimination or intimidation,” said UJA Secretary General Emmanuel Kirunda.
Kirunda said the action amounts to an attempt to silence independent journalism and shield public officials from accountability, warning that it undermines democracy and the principles of good governance that Parliament is meant to uphold.
UJA also linked the development to what it described as “a growing pattern of press freedom violations” by senior public officials, citing a recent case where Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja and Health Ministry Permanent Secretary Dr. Diana Atwine allegedly ordered the arrest of journalist David Mwesigwa over reports on poor service delivery in government health facilities.
The association demanded that the ban on NMG journalists be lifted immediately and unconditionally and called on the Office of the Speaker to issue a formal clarification to restore public confidence in Parliament.
“This will end ongoing speculation that the Speaker’s office may be involved and assure the media fraternity of their safety while covering Parliament,” Kirunda said.
UJA also urged Parliament to adopt transparent and non-discriminatory media access policies that respect journalistic independence.
“Freedom of the press is not negotiable,” the statement concluded, warning that the association would announce further action if its demands are ignored.
