KAMPALA– The Human rights network for journalists Uganda (HRNJ UG) has today released the 16th edition of the press freedom index report 2024 showing Uganda police force as the leading perpetrator of press freedom with 38 cases out of the 110 cases of Human rights violations and abuses against the media recorded in 2024.
This is followed by the joint anti-terrorism task force (JAT) with 13 cases, and 21 cases were committed by members of community and private bodyguards, UPDF and military police.
Kampala district reported the highest number with 70 cases, followed by Wakiso with 12, Gulu and Lwengo with 5 cases each, Mpigi and Buikwe with 4 cases each among others.
The central region saw the overwhelming majority of incidents with 96 cases, followed by northern region with 6, western region with 5 and Westnile with 3.
In the same report a total of 15 female journalists were subjected to violations and abuse by various perpetrators whose violations included physical assault and denial of access to news coverage.
In 2024, a total of 84 journalists were recorded as victims of various violations and abuses, of which 70 were reporters who directly experienced incidents in the line of duty.
Robert Sempala the executive director of human rights network for journalists Uganda while launching this report today in Kampala showed worry of the press freedom without meaning full reforms, especially when the country is approaching the 2026 general elections.
Sempala says there is a need for urgent action to safeguard press freedom, ensure journalists safety and uphold the constitutional rights of the court estate.
Cue in……………Sempala on rights
