Human Rights Network for Journalists – Uganda (HRNJ-Uganda)

A journalist for Radio Simba was beaten by policemen and Kampala Capital City Authority officers for “disorganizing” their work. Bwejiire was attempting to record them impounding a commuter taxi that had allegedly defaulted KCCA monthly dues.

Over 40 IFEX members worldwide call for the new President of Somalia to help combat impunity in the killing of journalists, revise media laws and uphold UN and African resolutions to help protect journalists.

Media practitioners from Uganda’s Kitgum district, under their umbrella body – the Kitgum District Media Practitioners’ Association (KIMEPA) – have decided to suspend any coverage of the district chairperson, Luka Nyeko, for his alleged persistent attacks on the media.

The Uganda Communications Commission has told radio stations to stop airing a new song by renowned local artist Ssentamu Kyagulanyi (a.k.a Bobi Wine), pending investigations into claims that it is critical of the Kampala Capital City Authority’s Executive Director.

The Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda has called on the Ugandan government to immediately halt the registration of Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) cards, arguing that the collected data will not be protected.

A journalist was injured by an angry mob in the Mbale district as he covered a news story about residents protesting a move to construct a water dam in the area along the River Manafwa.

A report by HRNJ-Uganda indicates that the environment for frontline journalists is getting more risky, with attacks taking place at the hands of security agency personnel, especially the police.

Augustine Okello, a radio presenter at Rhino FM who has been in prison since July 2011, was granted bail due to his deteriorating health.