In a historic verdict, Uganda's High court ruled that journalists Timothy Mulungi and Henry Sekanjako had their rights to movement, speech, conscience, opinion, assembly, and association violated.
This statement was originally published on hrnjuganda.org on 16 November 2024.
The Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda (HRNJ-Uganda) wholeheartedly welcomes the landmark ruling by the High Court’s Hon. Justice Boniface Wamala in Miscellaneous Cause No. 64 of 2021. This verdict is a resounding victory for journalists’ rights and a significant deterrent to rogue security personnel who perpetually violate media freedoms.
The Uganda Journalists Association (UJA) and the affected New Vision journalists Timothy Mulungi and Henry Sekanjako demonstrated remarkable courage in taking on the respondents, largely the security personnel including the Attorney General, and Lt. Col. Namanya Napoleone.
Other respondents in this case were the Chief of Defence Forces, Capt. Jessy Odwenyi, L/CPL Zirimenya Kassim, CPL. Nimusiima Justine, PTE Tsame Imran, PTE Wasswa Peter, PTE Kisakye Victoria, and PTE Opiyo Isaac.
We profoundly believe that the journalists’ bravery has paved the way for accountability and justice.
In its verdict of November 13, 2024, the court ruled that the respondents violated the applicants’ rights to freedom of the press (Article 29(1) (a), dignity, and freedom from torture (Articles 24 and 44(a), freedom of movement, speech, conscience, opinion, assembly, and association (Article 29(1), and the right to practice their profession (Article 40(2)). These violations will no longer be tolerated.
In celebrating the court’s verdict, Robert Ssempala, the HRNJ-Uganda Executive Director said, “this ruling sends a strong message that journalists’ rights are non-negotiable. We will not be silenced or intimidated.” Furthermore, “the court’s decision reaffirms the importance of a free press in holding those in power accountable.”
The ruling’s timing is crucial, given the forthcoming 2026 elections, which are expected to be challenging for journalists. We urge all stakeholders to respect journalists’ rights and ensure their safety.
We commend the court for ordering the respondents, excluding the Chief of Defence Forces, to pay Shs 75,000,000 in general damages to each applicant and cover the application’s taxed costs. Our feeling is that this sets a significant precedent for accountability.
We re-echo our celebration for this victory alongside the Uganda Journalists Association and the brave journalists who fought for justice to realize a triumph for press freedom and human rights in Uganda.
HRNJ-Uganda remains committed to advocating for journalists’ rights and freedoms. We will continue to support journalists in their pursuit of truth and accountability.
