The Human Rights Network for Journalists - Uganda (HRNJ-Uganda) received and recorded a total of 122 (one hundred twenty-two) cases of human rights violations and abuses against journalists and media practitioners in 2023. This was an increase from the 94 (ninety-four) cases recorded in 2022. The cases of human rights violations reported in 2023 involved blocked access, arrests, assaults, confiscation of gadgets, damage of equipment and unjustified suspension of individual journalists among others. Many of these violations were attributed to the brutality of security agencies notably the Uganda Police Force towards press and media practitioners. The involvement and role of security agents is particularly alarming given their mandate to uphold the rule of law.
Download the full 2023 Press Freedom Index Report for Uganda
The next elections, slated for January 2026, already give rise to increased human rights violations, including against journalists.
