By Gladys Mukisa.
Journalists body the Uganda Journalists Association (UJA) has opposed the ban slapped on the Nation Media Group (NMG) journalists that also run Ntv Uganda, from covering the parliamentary proceedings.
On Monday 28 October 2025, all journalists attached to the NMG were blocked from accessing the parliament premises and had their tags withdrawn by the parliamentary security personnel. This website later learnt that their blockage was in line with the news content that had recently been disseminated questioning the controversial declaration of the speaker Ainita Annet Among and her deputy Thomas Tayebwa as having gone through un opposed in 2026 election.
In the srong worded statement that was released on Wednesday 29, 2025 by UJA’s secretary general Emmanuel Kirunda, the association described the act as a blatant violation of the constitutional right to freedom of the press and access to information as enshrined under Articles 29(1)(a) and 41 of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda (1995).
“Parliament, as the people’s House, is a public institution funded by taxpayers and must remain open to scrutiny and coverage by all accredited media platforms without discrimination or intimidation” UJA’s statement reads in part.
According to UJA, the development is a deliberate attempt to silence independent journalism, stifle transparency, and shield the conduct of public officials from public accountability.
“Such an action undermines the principles of democracy and good governance that Parliament is duty-bound to uphold”, Kirunda emphasized.
The Uganda Journalists Association secretary general added that the act also speaks to the growing pattern of press freedom violation by some senior public officials, giving a reference to an attack on Galaxy Radio- TV journalist David Mwesigwa in September, by the prime minister Rt. Hon. Prime Minister Robinna Nabbanja and the Ministry of Health PS Dr. Diana Atwine, for reporting to president Museveni about the poor state of service delivery at Mukono, Kayunga and Namuganga Government Health Facilities, who Incidentally responded by ordering for the journalist’s immediate arrest”
“We wish to remind the Office of Speaker and the leadership of Parliament that journalists do not cover Parliament as a favor but as a constitutional duty to inform citizens about decisions that affect their lives and their country. Any move to restrict media access to Parliament is, therefore, an affront to the sovereignty of the people and a step backwards in Uganda’s democratic journey”.
It is against that background that the journalist’s body demanded for an immediate and un conditional lifting of the ban on NMG journalist.
UJA further demanded the Office of the Speaker to come out with formal clarification on the matter to end an ongoing speculation that it is behind the same. “It will relatedly give assurance to the concerned media fraternity regarding the prevailing safety concerns, and restore the Ugandan public confidence in Parliament”
Parliament is being demanded to adopt clear, transparent, and non-discriminatory media access policies that respect journalistic independence.
The association affirmed its full solidarity with NMG and all journalists who continue to work under increasingly hostile and restrictive conditions. “Freedom of the press is not negotiable. In the event that the above demands are not acted upon, we shall announce our next cause of action”.
Kirunda said UJA will remain unwaveringly committed to defending press freedom, promoting ethical journalism, and holding duty bearers accountable, stressing that they shall not stand by as public officials attempt to erode the hard-won freedoms of the Ugandan media.
