HRNJ-Uganda launches the 16th Edition of press freedom index report

2 May 2025, 4:23 pm

By Ronald Ssemagonja

The Human Rights Network for Journalists (HRNJ) has today launched the 16th edition of the Press Freedom index report at Imperial Royale Hotel in Kampala. Julius Esegu, the HRNJ Executive Board Chairperson, begun his address by thanking the development partners who supported the successful compilation and publication of the report. “HRNJ-Uganda extends its deepest appreciation to the Board of Directors for your steadfast guidance and oversight throughout this process. Your strategic direction and leadership continue to shape our work and inspire our nation. A special thank you goes to our development partners, the Royal Danish Embassy, the Embassy of Netherlands in Uganda, the Embassy of Sweden in Uganda and the Embassy of Ireland in Uganda for supporting the development and publication of this report,” he said.

According to Esegu, in 2024, press freedom in Uganda continued to face profound instability despite moments of progress most notably a significant court ruling affirming the constitutional rights of Journalists, the year was largely overshadowed by a troubling escalation of abuses. These gains, instead of signalling a shift towards greater protection, exposed the entrenched efforts by both state and non-state actors to suppress independent journalism. Emerging threats further compounded this fragile environment. Cybersecurity breaches, disinformation campaigns, and the misuse of artificial intelligence raised new alarms about the safety and ethical integrity of journalism. Female journalists, in particular, were disproportionately targeted facing gender-specific abuses that limited their participation in the media space.

“As Uganda moves closer to another election cycle, the urgency to safeguard press freedom becomes even more critical. Electoral periods have historically been marred by increased violence and restrictions against Journalists, and current climate suggests that 2025 could follow a similar pattern.
Meanwhile, the growing influence of digital platforms continues to shape the media landscape amplifying both opportunities for civic engagement and avenues for repression,” he said. It should be noted that the report offers more than a review of the challenges faced by the press in 2024. It is a rallying cry. It calls on government institutions, civil society, media organizations, development partners, and the Ugandan public to renew their commitment to protecting Media freedom. “A strong, independent press is essential to transparency, accountability, and the protection of human rights. Let us stand united in defending the rights of Journalists and ensuring that the press remains a cornerstone of Uganda’s democratic journey,” Esegu concluded.

The HRNJ-Uganda, Executive Director, Robert Sempala, while giving the report summary, which was named “One steps forward, two steps back.” The slippery media landscape. It shows that Uganda police has been the top agency to violate the rights of the journalists, followed by Uganda Peoples defense forces and others. The report states that there has been a slight deduction of incidents compared to that of 2023 report. “632 incidents where journalists were involved in 2024.” he said. That majority of the Journalists were Television personalities, Radio, Newspaper and Online. There has been recommendation that Parliament discusses the report and find a lasting solution. Sempala urged government and other stakeholders to join hands in fighting rights for journalists. Kirstine Primdel Sutton, in her remarks, applauded dedication of HRNJ-Uganda, and reaffirmed the Embassy’s continuous commitment.