Media Owners ask Government Permission to Bring in Safety Gear for Journalists
kakooza Peter
Saturday, March 22, 2025
Some journalists are badly hurt during work
Ugandan media owners are asking the government to let them import safety gear like bulletproof jackets, helmets, and body armour to protect journalists. They say this is important as the 2026 general elections are getting closer.
Some journalists were badly hurt during the Kawempe North by-election. Security forces beat them, and some had to be taken to the hospital. People believe this violence could be a warning sign of more trouble during the upcoming elections.
Dr. Innocent Nahabwe, who is the CEO of Galaxy FM and TV, said that discussions are happening with the government so that media houses with enough resources can bring in protective gear.
He shared this during a public talk organized by the Uganda Law Society under the theme “Alliance Against Electoral Violence.”
“Talks are ongoing to convince the government to allow capable media houses to import armoured gear for their reporters,” said Dr. Nahabwe.
Many observers think what happened in Kawempe North is just the beginning of what journalists might face during the 2026 elections. Because of this, media owners say it's urgent to prepare and keep journalists safe while they report news.
