Ugandan Courts Halt Government Media Suspensions

The courts in Uganda have blocked a move by the country’s media regulator, the Uganda Communications Commission, to suspend a numbers of news editors, producers and heads of programming following their coverage of the arrest and detention of opposition MP Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as musician Bobi Wine.

The challenge to the suspension was raised on behalf of the Uganda Journalists Association (UJA).

Ruling on the challenge judge Lydia Mugambe Ssali stated, "I am aware of the national security interests, however regulatory actions cannot be used to trample the rights of people's freedoms and right to information. 

It comes following mounting concern regarding media freedom in the country.

Kyagulanyi was detained in connection with his alleged involvement in illegal protests held last year but was later released from jail. Considered a likely presidential candidate in the 2021 elections, Kyagulanyi also found himself in prison last year facing treason charges following an alleged altercation between his supporters and the presidential motorcade.