Uganda - March 2025

On 13 March, at least 18 journalists were reportedly assaulted by Ugandan security personnel while covering legislative by-elections in Kawempe North, Kampala. The alleged attackers included members of the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) and the Joint Anti-Terrorist Task Force (JATT). The journalists, all visibly identified as press, were severely beaten and had equipment confiscated. While press freedom violations are common in Uganda, a single incident of this scale is unusual. Fifteen journalists later petitioned the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) demanding justice. The UPDF announced an investigation and said findings would inform disciplinary measures. A spokesperson described the violence as a ‘misunderstanding.’ President Yoweri Museveni also stated that authorities would investigate the conduct of the vote.

Sources: Human Rights Network for Journalists – Uganda, X, Committee to Protect Journalists, Uganda People’s Defence Forces, Reporters Without Border, Barron’s