Uganda Parliament Blocks NTV Journalists in Press Freedom Showdown
Lawmakers Decry “Intolerance” as Broadcaster Targeted Over Critical Reporting
In a dramatic press freedom standoff, security personnel at Uganda’s Parliament blocked NTV Uganda journalists from entering the parliamentary precincts on Monday morning and confiscated their press accreditation tags, sparking immediate condemnation from opposition legislators and media rights advocates .
The incident, which unfolded at the main entrance to Parliament, saw security officials stating they had “instructions not to let them in” but providing no specific reason for barring the journalists from the Nation Media Group-owned broadcaster . The move has been widely linked to NTV’s recent critical reporting on the growing number of “unopposed candidates” in Parliament, including the re-election of Speaker Anita Among and Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa without challengers .
Immediate Reactions and Official Responses
The blocking of journalists prompted swift reaction from opposition leaders within Parliament. Leader of Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi confirmed that “the NTV crew was denied access to Parliament, and their accreditation press tags were withdrawn from them by security at the entrance” . He directly connected the action to the broadcaster’s critical reporting, stating: “Information reaching us is that the leadership of Parliament is angry because of the stories NTV has been running about ‘unopposed candidates’ including the Speaker and Deputy Speaker. What a shame!”
Butambala County MP Muwanga Kivumbi raised the issue on the floor of Parliament, describing the move as “intolerance and press censorship which we must address as an institution that advocates for good governance, accountable leadership, and democracy” . He emphasized that “as we go towards the elections, tolerance and freedom of expression are critical. Hearing alternative views, no matter how uncomfortable, is part of democracy. This is the people’s house – the media must have access” .
In response, Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa distanced Parliament’s leadership from the decision, stating: “The Speaker and Deputy Speaker don’t participate in that process. In fact, I need to interest myself more in the guidelines, the dos and don’ts. I will cross-check with the Clerk so that I know whether it is true, because it is news to me” .
The “Unopposed Candidates” Reporting That Triggered Parliament’s Wrath
NTV’s recent investigative coverage has scrutinized what media analysts describe as an increasing “unopposed” culture within Uganda’s Parliament, a trend that raises questions about political competition and accountability . The reports have particularly highlighted how Speaker Anita Among and Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa were re-elected to their positions without challengers, a development that has drawn public criticism for potentially stifling democratic processes within the legislative body .
The timing of Parliament’s action against NTV is significant, occurring as Uganda prepares for the 2026 general elections . Political observers note that limiting media scrutiny during this pre-election period could affect the transparency of the electoral process.
Broader Pattern of Media Restrictions
The incident forms part of a troubling pattern of restrictions against NTV Uganda and other media outlets perceived as critical of government institutions .
· Previous Presidential Coverage Limits: NTV has reportedly faced previous restrictions when covering President Yoweri Museveni’s events, including being blocked from several campaign trails where their coverage highlighted controversies such as low attendance at rallies and the involvement of schoolchildren in allegedly inflating crowd numbers .
· Ongoing Press Freedom Challenges: This latest incident reinforces concerns about Uganda’s media freedom environment. The 2024 World Press Freedom Index ranks Uganda 128th out of 180 countries, noting persistent problems including “frequent intimidation and violence against journalists” .
Expert and Public Opinion on Media Freedom
The blocking of NTV from Parliament has raised alarm among media analysts and the public alike. Dr. Emmanuel Katamba, a media governance expert, stated: “Journalism exists to hold leaders accountable, not to be punished for reporting facts. Denying access to Parliament undermines the public’s right to know and erodes trust in our democratic institutions” .
Public sentiment appears to support a free media, according to recent surveys. Afrobarometer research from 2022 indicates that 72% of Ugandans believe the media should have the right to publish any views and ideas without government interference . Additionally, a significant majority (80%) of citizens think the news media should “constantly investigate and report on government mistakes and corruption” .
Threat to Democratic Processes
The exclusion of a major broadcaster from parliamentary coverage has deeper implications for Uganda’s democracy, particularly with the 2026 elections approaching . Kira Municipality MP Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda, a former journalist himself, called for a ministerial explanation, suggesting that “the move could be part of a wider effort to silence critical media” .
Media watchdog representative Jane Atwine emphasized: “Reporting on these realities is essential for transparency, especially in an election that is already raising questions about fairness and inclusivity” .
What Comes Next?
As of the latest reports, the Parliamentary Commission had not issued an official explanation for NTV’s accreditation withdrawal . Deputy Speaker Tayebwa has promised to follow up on the matter, though he emphasized his interest in “understanding the regulation under which they are accredited” rather than committing to immediate restoration of access .
The incident has sparked broader concerns about the independence of Parliament’s communication department and the treatment of journalists covering legislative affairs . Opposition legislators have vowed to continue pressing for NTV’s reinstatement and for greater protection of media freedom within the “people’s Parliament” .
As MP Kivumbi warned, “No matter the circumstances, the media should access this House. We cannot afford to silence journalists in the people’s Parliament” . The outcome of this confrontation may well set a precedent for how Uganda balances government authority with press freedom in the critical period leading up to the 2026 elections.
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