Media Executive Calls for Unity as Uganda Faces Pre-Election Tensions and Press Restrictions
Kin Karisa, CEO of the Next Media Group, has issued a public appeal for unity and kindness among Ugandans during a volatile period ahead of the country’s 2026 elections. The call for social cohesion comes amidst ongoing tensions and concerns over press freedom.
In a post on the social media platform X, Karisa emphasized the importance of protecting one another, stating, “One Uganda — let us protect one another with humility and kindness; don’t let this volatile season tear us apart. We all matter, we all belong.”
He also underscored the critical role of the media, adding, “Our media is vital to our shared future. We need credible journalism and one another — Uganda is our motherland, and it is all we have.”
The public message has garnered mixed reactions online. While some have praised Karisa for promoting national unity, others have criticized mainstream media outlets for perceived bias in their coverage.
The appeal follows recent actions by Ugandan authorities, who have extended a ban on journalists from the Nation Media Group (NMG) from covering parliamentary proceedings and events involving President Yoweri Museveni. This move has been widely condemned by human rights and press freedom organizations, who see it as a significant threat to democratic freedoms in the country.
As the political climate intensifies in the lead-up to the 2026 elections, the situation remains fluid, with the media’s role and freedom of expression being central points of contention.
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