The Uganda Journalists Association (UJA) strongly condemns in the harshest terms the reported action by the administration of Parliament of Uganda, to bar Nation Media Group (NMG) journalists that run NTV Uganda, from indefinitely covering parliamentary proceedings.
This act is a blatant violation of the constitutional right to freedom of the press and access to information as enshrined in Articles 29(1)(a) and 41 of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda (1995). Parliament, as the peoples 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.
The Uganda Journalists Association views this development as a deliberate attempt to silence independent journalism, stifle transparency, and shield the conduct of public officials from public accountability. Such an action undermines the principles of democracy and good governance that Parliament is duty-bound to uphold.
It also speaks to the growing pattern of press freedom violation by some senior public officials. For example, at the end of last month, the Rt. Hon. Prime Minister Robinna Nabbanja and the Ministry of Health PS Dr. Diana Atwine attacked the Galaxy Radio- Tv journalist David Mwesigwa for reporting to H.E the president about the rot visa vise service delivery at Mukono, Kayunga and Namuganga Government Health Facilities. Incidentally the Rt.Hon. Nabbanja responded by ordering for Mwesigwa’s immediate arrest!
We wish to remind the Office of Speaker and the leadership of Parliament that journalists do not cover Parliament as a favor but as a constitutional duty to inform citizens about decisions that affect their lives and their country. Any move to restrict media access to Parliament is, therefore, an affront to the sovereignty of the people and a step backwards in the Uganda ‘s democratic journey.
UJA stands in full solidarity with NMG and all journalists who continue to work under increasingly hostile and restrictive conditions. In the interim we therefore, demand that:
The ban on NMG coverage of Parliament be immediately and unconditionally lifted.
The Office of the Speaker comes out with formal clarification on this matter as this will end an ongoing speculation that it may be involved in the same. It will relatedly give assurance to the concerned media fraternity regarding the prevailing safety concerns, and restore the Ugandan public confidence in Parliament.
Parliament adopts clear, transparent, and non-discriminatory media access policies that respect journalistic independence.
In the event that the above demands are not acted upon, we shall announce our next cause of action.
The Uganda Journalists Association reaffirms its unwavering commitment to defending press freedom, promoting ethical journalism, and holding duty bearers accountable. We shall not stand by as public officials attempt to erode the hard-won freedoms of the Ugandan media.
Freedom of the press is not negotiable.
For God and My Country.
Emmanuel Kirunda, Secretary General, Uganda Journalists Association (UJA).
Dated Wednesday, 29, October, 2025
