Introduction and Context
Uganda has gained international attention in recent years not only for its long-serving president, Yoweri Museveni, but also for its shrinking civic space. Journalists and activists, once seen as essential watchdogs of government accountability, are increasingly targeted with arrests, harassment, and intimidation.

This trend reflects a broader climate of repression, where dissent is criminalised, and independent voices are silenced. The crackdown on free expression threatens both democracy and human rights in Uganda.


Historical and Political Background
Since Museveni took power in 1986, Uganda has oscillated between promises of reform and entrenched authoritarianism. Although the 1995 constitution enshrined freedoms of speech and association, the government has routinely undermined these rights through restrictive laws and coercive security practices.

Periods of political contestation—especially during elections or large-scale protests—have consistently seen a spike in arrests of journalists and activists. This demonstrates how the state views critical voices as threats rather than partners in democratic governance.


Methods of Repression
The Ugandan state employs several strategies to silence journalists and activists:

- Arbitrary arrests: Individuals are detained under vague charges, such as “incitement” or “spreading false news.”
- Censorship: Independent media outlets face closure, fines, or loss of licences.
- Harassment: Security forces routinely intimidate reporters covering protests or corruption scandals.
- Targeting NGOs: Civil society groups face restrictions on funding and registration, limiting their ability to operate.
- Surveillance: Online and offline monitoring discourages free speech.

These methods ensure that criticism of the government remains risky and dangerous.


Consequences for Democracy and Society
The crackdown on journalists and activists weakens democratic accountability. Citizens are denied access to independent information, leaving state narratives unchallenged. Civil society, which advocates for the marginalised and promotes reforms, is increasingly stifled.

The climate of fear discourages youth and new activists from speaking out, eroding public engagement in governance. Internationally, Uganda’s human rights record faces criticism, which threatens partnerships and aid, yet repression often persists due to the government’s tight control.


Solutions and Conclusion
Protecting journalists and activists is crucial to safeguarding democracy in Uganda. Without independent voices, corruption and abuse of power will go unchecked.

Key steps include:
- Legal reform: repeal vague laws used to criminalise free expression.
- Judicial independence: ensure courts protect rather than punish activists and journalists.
- Protection mechanisms: create systems that guarantee the safety of reporters and rights defenders.
- Civil society empowerment: allow NGOs to function without unnecessary restrictions.
- International advocacy: strengthen pressure from global partners to uphold Uganda’s commitments to human rights.

Until these reforms are enacted, journalists and activists in Uganda will continue to face arrest, leaving the nation’s democratic aspirations at risk.