Uganda Bans Live Coverage Of Violence As Election Tensions Rise
Uganda has announced a ban on the live broadcast of riots, unlawful processions, and violent incidents as the country prepares for its upcoming election, the Ministry of Information, Communication and Technology said on Monday.
The ministry warned that “live broadcast or streaming of riots, unlawful processions, or violent incidents is prohibited, as it can escalate tension and spread panic.” It also barred the circulation of content considered “inciting, hateful or violent.”
The restrictions come amid heightened tensions ahead of the January 15 vote, where President Yoweri Museveni, seeking to extend his 40-year rule, faces opposition from 43-year-old pop-star-turned-politician Bobi Wine. Security forces have already detained hundreds of opposition supporters in recent weeks.
Uganda’s last election in 2021 saw violent crackdowns that left over 50 people dead. Museveni, who came to power in 1986 after a five-year rebellion, has long been accused by critics and human rights groups of using security forces to intimidate and repress opponents, allegations he denies.
Amnesty International said Monday that security forces have conducted a “brutal campaign of repression against Wine’s supporters in the run-up to the election, subjecting them to arbitrary arrests, beatings and torture.”
Government and police spokespeople were not immediately available for comment.
Meanwhile, another opposition figure, Kizza Besigye, remains imprisoned more than a year after being arrested on treason charges, which he has denied.
