The African Centre for Media Excellence (ACME) presents this report as a comprehensive overview of media freedom in Uganda from the early 1900s to 2010. The report unpacks the historical context of Uganda’s media landscape, examining key periods of political and social change that have significantly impacted the freedom of the press.
It begins by tracing the evolution of media in Uganda from the colonial era (1900-1962) to the post-independence period (1962-1971). This section explores the early challenges faced by journalists and the limited media freedoms that existed during these times.
Subsequently, the report analyses the tumultuous years under Idi Amin’s regime (1971-1985), a period marked by severe restrictions on the media and widespread censorship. It examine the impact of this era on the development of journalism and the subsequent struggle for media freedom.
Following Amin’s overthrow, Uganda embarked on a path towards political liberalisation. The post-1986 period witnessed the emergence of a more vibrant media landscape, characterised by the growth of independent newspapers and radio stations. However, this progress was not without its challenges, as the report highlights the ongoing threats to media freedom and the need for continued advocacy and reforms.
The report concludes by examining recent developments in Uganda’s media landscape, including the September 2009 riots and their aftermath, the country’s ranking in international media freedom indices, and the ongoing debate surrounding the proposed Press and Journalist (Amendment) Bill 2010. We offer recommendations aimed at strengthening media freedom and promoting a more pluralistic and independent media sector in Uganda.
