A consortium of media and journalist associations has announced a blackout on covering security agencies in Uganda.

This decision follows a series of incidents where journalists were battered, equipment was destroyed, and others were arrested during the Kawempe North Parliamentary by-election.

Robert Sempala, the Executive Director for Human Rights Network for Journalists in Uganda (HRNJ-U), announced the blackout during a joint press conference at Speak Hotel in Kampala.

Sempala stated that journalists will not attend the police’s weekly press conference on Monday and will not quote any security officers in news articles until the matter is resolved.

Samuel Ibanda Mugabi, President of the Uganda Parliamentary Press Association (UPPA), called for the immediate release of journalists arrested during the by-election and demanded action against the officers involved.

Emmanuel Kirunda, Secretary General of the Uganda Journalists Association (UJA), urged the judiciary to pronounce itself on a 2021 case involving journalists and security agencies, ensuring the decision is fully implemented.

Kent Kenneth Arirenge from the Uganda Journalists Union (UJU) condemned the police and the Uganda People’s Defence Forces for violating media rights during the elections, saying these bodies should apologize to the journalists.

Moses Al Sayd Lubega, President of the Uganda Sports Press Association (USPA), appealed to editors to support the decision by not assigning journalists to cover security agencies until a resolution is reached.

By Ben Musanje

13th March 2025

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