Uganda bans live coverage of riots ahead of Jan. 15 election

Uganda’s government has banned the live broadcasting or streaming of riots, “unlawful processions” and other violent incidents in the run‑up to the 2026 general election. In a statement on Monday, the Ministry of Information, Communication and Technology of Uganda said such coverage could escalate tensions and spread panic, and warned that anyone sharing inciting, hateful or violent material would face enforcement.

The directive applies to radio, television and digital platforms, and comes less than two weeks before the Jan. 15 vote in which long‑serving President Yoweri Museveni will again face pop‑star‑turned politician Bobi Wine. According to Reuters, authorities have detained hundreds of opposition supporters during the campaign as reported by Reuters.

Ministry cites public order and election law

The Permanent Secretary of the ICT ministry, Dr Aminah Zawedde, said at a Kampala press briefing that media freedom remains protected but election coverage carries heightened responsibility. Broadcasting violent scenes in real time can inflame emotions, encourage copycat actions and obstruct security operations.

Zawedde stressed that only the Electoral Commission may declare election results and that disseminating unverified or premature results is illegal. She clarified that the restrictions cover both traditional broadcasters and online platforms, noting that digital media are subject to Uganda’s Computer Misuse Act during the election period. Media houses were urged to avoid inciting, hateful or violent content and to rely on verified information and official sources. The ministry said it would work with the Uganda Communications Commission to monitor coverage and ensure compliance.

The live‑coverage ban comes amid a broader crackdown on opposition supporters and journalists. Rights groups say security forces have detained hundreds of activists and used tear gas, pepper spray and batons to disperse peaceful rallies organised by Wine’s National Unity Platform. Amnesty International reported that Ugandan security forces have launched a “brutal campaign of repression” against opposition supporters, subjecting them to arbitrary arrests, beatings and torture.

Eyewitnesses told Amnesty that police fired tear gas and pepper spray at a rally in Kawempe on 24 November, causing a stampede and leading to fatalities. The rights group’s regional director, Tigere Chagutah, urged authorities to halt the repression and allow the opposition to campaign freely. The government and police have not responded to these specific allegations.

Uganda’s election campaigns have been violent in the past. More than 50 people were killed ahead of the 2021 vote when security forces cracked down on Wine’s supporters, who accused Museveni of stealing the election, a claim he denied. Museveni, 81, came to power in 1986 after a five‑year rebellion and is Africa’s third‑longest‑serving head of state.

Critics and rights groups have long accused his government of torturing and intimidating opponents to maintain power, allegations he rejects. Another opposition figure, Kizza Besigye, remains in prison more than a year after being charged with treason.

Election context and media responsibility

The general election scheduled for Jan. 15 will see Museveni seek a seventh elected term against Wine, who has mobilised a youthful urban base. The ICT ministry’s ban underscores the authorities’ determination to control the narrative and prevent what they describe as incitement and misinformation.

Media regulators argue that live coverage of riots can compromise security operations and spread panic. However, rights advocates warn that restrictions on live reporting, combined with mass arrests and alleged torture, could erode confidence in the electoral process and stifle legitimate dissent. As the vote approaches, Uganda faces a delicate balance between maintaining public order and safeguarding freedom of expression.

Source: Reuters