The Uganda Journalists Association (UJA) has strongly condemned the Parliament of Uganda for allegedly blocking journalists from Nation Media Group (NMG), which operates NTV Uganda, from covering parliamentary proceedings.
The incident occurred on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, when security officers at Parliament reportedly denied the NTV crew entry to the premises and confiscated their accreditation cards.
The officers are said to have acted on “instructions not to let them in,” though no official explanation was provided.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, UJA Secretary General Emmanuel Kirunda described the move as a “blatant attempt to muzzle media freedom and silence independent journalism.”
“The Uganda Journalists Association (UJA) strongly condemns in the harshest terms the reported action by the administration of Parliament of Uganda to bar Nation Media Group journalists that run NTV Uganda from indefinitely covering parliamentary proceedings,” Kirunda said.
He added that the action violated Articles 29(1)(a) and 41 of the 1995 Constitution, which guarantee freedom of expression and access to information.
“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,” he said.
Kirunda said the incident reflected a growing trend of hostility toward journalists, accusing some public officials of attempting to restrict press freedom.
He linked the development to previous incidents, including one last month in which Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja and Health Permanent Secretary Dr Diana Atwine allegedly harassed Galaxy TV journalist David Mwesigwa for reporting on service delivery challenges in Mukono, Kayunga, and Namuganga.
“Incidentally, the Rt. Hon. Nabbanja responded by ordering Mwesigwa’s immediate arrest,” Kirunda recalled.
UJA warned that denying journalists access to Parliament undermines democracy and accountability, saying the media’s role in covering the legislature is a constitutional duty, not a privilege.
“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,” the statement read.
The association demanded that Parliament immediately and unconditionally lift the ban on NMG journalists and that the Office of the Speaker issue a formal clarification to dispel speculation over the legislature’s involvement.
UJA further called for transparent and non-discriminatory media access policies at Parliament that respect journalistic independence and professionalism.
“Freedom of the press is not negotiable,” UJA said, pledging solidarity with all journalists working under increasingly restrictive conditions.
The association warned that it would announce its next course of action if its demands are not met.
