World Press Freedom Day: Judiciary hails partnership as journalists warn of shrinking space
“Press freedom is shrinking day by day. When journalists are targeted, it is not because they are fighting for themselves, but because they are speaking for the rights of others.
Bukumunhe urged journalists and the public to report violations, reaffirming the Commission’s commitment to providing redress.
KAMPALA - A World Press Freedom Day celebration event held at Kitante Primary School in Kampala city on May 3, 2026, became an unlikely meeting ground for two contrasting narratives about the state of press freedom and justice in Uganda.
The Uganda Judicial Officers Association (UJOA) used the sports gala to emphasise co-operation between the bench and the media.
However, the Uganda Journalists Association (UJA), speaking from the same grounds, delivered a stark reminder that the realities on the ground remain fraught with risk, interference and economic strain due to the shrinking media freedom in Uganda.
Chief Magistrate Martin Kirya, representing the Judiciary, framed the relationship between the courts and the media as a necessary partnership rooted in public accountability.
“The presence of the media reminds us to uphold the highest standards. It ensures that we remain accountable and transparent,” he said.
He said media reporting and audiovisual coverage are increasingly useful in supporting court processes, citing the recent trial of Ggaba murder convict Onyum Okello, where he noted the press provided helpful supplementary material in legal proceedings through their reporting.
However, Matthias Rukundo, the president of the Uganda Journalists Association, presented a sharply different reality—one defined by intimidation, restrictions and vulnerability.
He said while the language of partnership is often used, the lived experience of journalists reflects a growing strain on press freedom.
“Press freedom is shrinking day by day. When journalists are targeted, it is not because they are fighting for themselves, but because they are speaking for the rights of others.”
He pointed to instances where court orders have restricted coverage of proceedings that are ordinarily public, alongside repeated cases of assault and intimidation of reporters.
Rukundo also highlighted the struggles of the profession, noting that low pay and weak safeguards for editorial independence in Uganda.
According to the 2026 World Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), Uganda is ranked 133rd out of 180 countries.
The ranking marks a slight improvement from 143rd in 2025.
Alex Bukumunhe, the public affairs manager at the Uganda Human Rights Commission, emphasised the Commission’s role in fostering dialogue between institutions and addressing concerns collaboratively.
He acknowledged that complaints from journalists are received, including cases of assault and destruction of equipment, but noted that many are resolved before reaching formal hearings.
“As soon as we say that now we are going for hearing, the accused persons… rush and sort the matters out,” he said.
Bukumunhe also observed that violations tend to rise during election periods, though he stressed that journalists are not uniquely affected.
While recognising concerns raised by the media, he cautioned against exaggerating the situation.
“We shouldn’t overblow the existing situation to look as dire,” he said, adding that Uganda is “not yet in the extreme situation” seen elsewhere.
He urged journalists and the public to report violations, reaffirming the Commission’s commitment to providing redress.
“Whenever you hear of any human rights violation… please come to us. We will have a solution,” he said.