Ugandan Journalists Threaten to Boycott 2026 Elections

Journalists in Uganda have warned they may boycott coverage of the 2026 general elections if the Electoral Commission (EC) fails to take firm action to protect press freedom and ensure their safety.

The warning came from Uganda Journalists Association (UJA) President, Mathias Rukundo, during a press freedom dialogue held at Emerald Hotel in Kampala on Saturday, May 3, as part of World Press Freedom Day events.

“We will not cover the 2026 general elections if you do not guarantee our security and well-being,” Rukundo said. He emphasized that the association will no longer sit by while journalists are attacked or mistreated in the course of their work.

He strongly criticised the Electoral Commission for ignoring the increasing incidents of human rights abuses by security forces, especially during election periods. Rukundo said the EC must take responsibility and act to stop the violations that have become common during political coverage.

“The Electoral Commission must take responsibility and engage security agencies and journalists to ensure our safety. If nothing changes, we will announce a total blackout on the Commission’s activities,” he warned.

The event was held under the global theme, “Reporting in the Brave New World: The Impact of Al on Press Freedom.”

In response, EC spokesperson Julius Mucunguzi acknowledged the critical role journalists play in democratic processes.

“We cannot envisage a free, fair, credible, and transparent election without the contribution of a free, independent, responsible and professional media,” he said.

Mucunguzi called for constructive dialogue between journalists, the EC, and security agencies.

“There can be demonstrations, yes-but there can also be discussions and dialogue to move forward,” he said. “If the government could talk to Kony, why can’t journalists talk to the UPDF or Uganda Police? We all belong to this country and should work toward a peaceful and united Uganda.”

He assured journalists that the Commission is working to safeguard all stakeholders during the upcoming elections, including candidates, voters, and media practitioners. He promised that the ugly scenes of the Kawempe North by-election, marked by arrests and assaults on journalists would not be repeated.

According to a 2024 report by the Human Rights Network for Journalists (HRNJ-Uganda), 110 incidents of human rights violations against journalists were recorded last year, with security forces cited as the leading perpetrators.

Between February and March 2025, at least 38 journalists were assaulted during the Kawempe North parliamentary by-election. Victims reported beatings, arbitrary arrests, and destruction of equipment.

One of those victims, Miracle Ibra of Top TV, who was attacked while covering a security confrontation attempting to arrest the National Unity Platform candidate, Elias Nalukoola Luyimbazi, called on the Commission to hold security agencies accountable.

“We are not enemies of the state. We are citizens doing our job,” she said.

Source: Parrots Media