Uganda bans live coverage of riots, unlawful protests ahead January election

Ugandan authorities have announced a prohibition on the live broadcast and streaming of riots, illegal demonstrations and other violent incidents, as the country prepares for its forthcoming general election.

The directive was issued on Monday by the Ministry of Information, Communication and Technology in a statement released in Kampala.

According to the ministry, live coverage of such events has been outlawed on the grounds that it could heighten tensions and trigger panic.

The statement further warned against the circulation of materials deemed to be inciting, hateful or violent, stressing that such content would not be tolerated during the sensitive pre-election period.

The development comes amid heightened political tension ahead of the January 15 polls, in which President Yoweri Museveni is contesting for another term, potentially extending his four-decade hold on power.

Museveni faces a strong challenge from opposition candidate Bobi Wine, a 43-year-old musician-turned-politician.

Security agencies have reportedly arrested hundreds of opposition supporters in the lead-up to the election.

Similar crackdowns were witnessed during the 2021 elections, when more than 50 people were killed amid violent confrontations between security forces and supporters of Bobi Wine, who later accused the president of electoral fraud, claims the government rejected.

Museveni, who assumed power in 1986 after leading a five-year insurgency, is currently Africa’s third-longest-serving leader.

His administration has repeatedly faced accusations from critics and human rights organisations of using intimidation, torture and arbitrary arrests to suppress dissent, allegations he has consistently denied.

On Monday, Amnesty International alleged that Ugandan security forces were carrying out what it described as a “brutal campaign of repression” against supporters of Bobi Wine, accusing authorities of subjecting them to unlawful detention, physical abuse and torture in the run-up to the election.

At the time of filing this report, government and police spokespersons had yet to respond to requests for comment on the allegations.

Meanwhile, veteran opposition figure Kizza Besigye remains in detention more than a year after his arrest on treason-related charges, which he has also denied.