Uganda

Journalists, cartoonists, and activists in Uganda face intense pressure, threats and criminal charges from authorities and are forced, especially in rural areas, to carry out their work in an environment of widespread impunity. In the last five years, over 600 cases of violations against journalists were recorded, involving both State and non-state actors.

The criminalisation of LGBTI people in Uganda also constitutes a severe and discriminatory violation of free expression. LGBTI people are subject to attack, and media seen as ‘glorifying homosexuality’ has been subject to bans.

Political opposition is subject to repression, and social media has been subject to shutdowns. The Official Secrets Act still exists on the statutes and has proved one of several barriers to full implementation of Access to Information Law.

ARTICLE 19’s work on protection in Uganda includes providing support for journalists, media workers and human rights defenders under threat. Special emphasis has been placed on the digital security needs for women journalists as they face disproportionately higher levels of attacks compared to men. We also work with partners to train media regulators to ensure that any decisions taken are within the bounds of international human rights law. We also work to ensure the ATI law is fully implemented, and advocate for the repeal of repressive laws restricting expression.

Uganda: Shrinking civic space marks the January 2021 presidential and parliamentary elections
21.01.2021 5 min read

Uganda: Shrinking civic space marks the January 2021 presidential and parliamentary elections

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Uganda: Release Nicholas Opiyo and stop harassment of civil society and dissenting voices
24.12.2020 4 min read

Uganda: Release Nicholas Opiyo and stop harassment of civil society and dissenting voices

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Uganda: Order to remove opposition channels on Youtube must be challenged
18.12.2020 4 min read

Uganda: Order to remove opposition channels on Youtube must be challenged

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Uganda: Police should not use excessive force against peaceful protesters
08.12.2020 6 min read

Uganda: Police should not use excessive force against peaceful protesters

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Uganda: Online media should not be restricted prior to 2021 elections
21.09.2020 8 min read

Uganda: Online media should not be restricted prior to 2021 elections

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Uganda’s proposed tax on internet data threatens the rights to freedom of expression and access to information
31.01.2020 3 min read

Uganda’s proposed tax on internet data threatens the rights to freedom of expression and access to information

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21.09.2018 3 min read

Uganda: Continued harassment and arbitrary arrest of journalists must end

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24.08.2018 5 min read

Uganda: Vicious crackdown on protest, journalism, and opposition around by-election

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Uganda: Increasing harassment and attacks against journalists around elections must end
14.08.2018 4 min read

Uganda: Increasing harassment and attacks against journalists around elections must end

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