In a statement read by Hon. Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi, Minister of State for Gender, Labour, and Social Development (in charge of Children and Youth Affairs), on behalf of General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Senior Presidential Advisor on Special Operations and Chief of Defence Forces (CDF).
Gen. Muhoozi reaffirmed the government’s commitment to upholding civil liberties, particularly media freedoms, while ensuring national security remains intact. He emphasized the growing challenges posed by media misuse, including hate speech, sectarianism, and the incitement of violence—concerns that have necessitated urgent intervention by Uganda’s security apparatus.
Uganda’s Constitution guarantees fundamental freedoms, including free speech and media liberties.
However, these freedoms come with responsibilities and limitations. Article 43(1) explicitly states that no individual should prejudice the fundamental rights of others or compromise national interests in exercising their freedoms.
Additionally, Article 17 outlines citizens’ duties, such as respecting national symbols, cooperating with security agencies, and promoting national unity.
Gen. Muhoozi’s address highlighted that while media freedoms are crucial for democracy, they must not be exploited to destabilize Uganda.
As the country approaches a politically charged season, he cautioned that unchecked media activities—especially on digital platforms—could fuel public unrest, disrupt governance, and erode national security.
Gen. Muhoozi underscored that some media houses and individuals are exploiting their platforms to spread misinformation, incite violence, and propagate militant ideologies. He cited historical precedents where media incitement led to devastating consequences, such as:
The Rwandan Genocide (1994) – The infamous Radio Télévision Libre des Mille Collines (RTLM) played a central role in fueling ethnic hatred, ultimately contributing to the mass killings.
The Arab Spring (2010-2012) – Social media was instrumental in mobilizing protests that led to political instability and the collapse of governments across North Africa. Drawing lessons from these events, Gen. Muhoozi made it clear that Uganda cannot afford to allow similar occurrences.
He stressed that security forces, under the National Security Council and the Inter-Agency Security Committee, will take decisive steps to mitigate threats arising from irresponsible media practices.
Proposed Measures to Regulate Media and Enhance Security Coordination
To strike a balance between national security and media freedoms, the government has outlined several strategies:
Media Responsibility: Editors and media operators must proactively remove harmful content from their platforms to prevent misinformation and incitement.
Ensuring Accuracy and Objectivity: Media houses must adhere to ethical journalism standards by publishing unbiased, fact-based content across TV, radio, print, and digital platforms.
Legal Compliance: All published content must conform to Ugandan laws, including the Penal Code Act, UPDF Act (as amended), and Computer Misuse Act.
Patriotism and National Stability: Media practitioners are urged to recognize that Uganda’s stability benefits all citizens and should not be compromised for political or personal interests.
Strengthening Security-Media Collaboration: A structured coordination mechanism between media agencies and security forces will be established to enhance communication and mitigate emerging threats.
Promoting National Unity: Efforts will be made to encourage tolerance and cohesion among Ugandans, regardless of ethnic, religious, or political differences.
To address the evolving challenges in media regulation, the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), security agencies, and licensed media operators will work together to develop effective solutions. The collaboration will focus on:
Conducting regular engagements between regulators, security agencies, and media owners to address emerging concerns.
Implementing stringent penalties against those who violate media regulations, including suspension of broadcasting licenses for repeat offenders.
Additionally, President Yoweri Museveni has proposed that media executives, editors, and key personnel undergo a cadre course at the National Leadership Institute (NALI) in Kyankwanzi. The training, which is to be completed by June 30, 2025, aims to sensitize media leaders about their national duties and the role of responsible journalism in state-building.
The National Security Imperative
Gen. Muhoozi concluded his address by emphasizing that national security remains the bedrock of all civil liberties, economic growth, and democratic governance. He noted that a well-secured Uganda fosters investment, job creation, and innovation, benefiting all citizens. However, this stability can only be achieved through a harmonized approach where media operators, security agencies, and citizens play their respective roles responsibly.
The message was clear: media freedoms must be exercised with caution to avoid undermining national security. The government will not tolerate any attempts to destabilize the country under the guise of free speech.
As Uganda navigates a politically sensitive period, media practitioners are at a crossroads. Will they use their platforms to inform, educate, and unite the nation, or will they fan flames of division and insecurity? Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s strategic call to action serves as a reminder that freedom of expression, while fundamental, must be wielded responsibly.
The government, security agencies, and regulatory bodies have pledged to ensure a free yet accountable media landscape.
However, the ultimate patriotism, and peace.
