How Politics Has Undermined Mainstream Media in Uganda
By RICHARD KIZZA LUGOBWA In Uganda, once regarded as a beacon of media freedom in East Africa, mainstream media now stands on increasingly fragile ground. What was once a vibrant press landscape, known for bold journalism and public engagement, has in recent years been marred by political interference, intimidation, clobbering and battering journalists and arrests which has constrained media operations. The very harsh and unbearable working environment for journalists has created a climate of fear and extreme self-censorship leading to a drastic fall in the quality of information, and journalism in general as a profession. As the 2026 general elections draw nigh, questions grow louder about the role of Uganda’s press and whether it can still fulfill its democratic mandate. The recent years have seen a dramatic change in radio and television programming with a great increase and focus on […]