Uganda

The anniversary comes at a time when media freedom is facing attacks ranging from suffocating legislation, police harassment, murder and judicial sanctions.

Dickson Ssentongo had joined active politics and was an aspiring councilor for the Democratic Party, an opposition political party.

Paul Kiggundu was severely beaten by a group of bikers while covering a story, and died before he could receive treatment.

Arthur Kintu, a photojournalist with the government-owned newspaper “The New Vision”, is the second journalist to fall victim to politician Hajji Hassan Basajjabala’s brutality.

The proposed amendment would restrict freedom of expression and impede the ability of journalists and media outlets to fulfill their important roles.

Radio Two journalist Richard Mivule was grilled over a programme he hosted during the September 2009 riotes.

Tony Kizito was arrested after “Kamunye” newspaper ran a story naming resident district commissioners who had prevented King Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II from touring his counties.

The Constitutional Court ruled that “sections of the penal code are unconstitutional and inconsistent with Article 29 (1) which guarantee freedom of speech”.

Police officials have said that media reports about the investigation into the 11 July bomb blasts are facilitating the getaway of suspects who are still at large.

WBS journalist Harrison Thembo was arrested by police at the Uganda-DR Congo border for filming immigration office activities.

Kampala police searched the home of journalist Timothy Kalyegira, who has been charged with sedition.

The report reveals that electronic media journalist face high levels of risk in the line of duty.

The law on sedition is commonly used against journalists and other people with divergent views, HRNJ-Uganda noted.

Human Rights Watch urged authorities to put an end to the intimidation of rural media and amend repressive freedom of expression laws prior to the 2011 elections.

The bill is “autocratic and invasive”, says IPI.

“The Ugandan authorities must ensure that journalists can work safely without violence at the hands of police or protesters,” says CPJ.