Media practitioners in Uganda have renewed calls for state authorities to protect press freedom and safeguard human rights, warning that persistent harassment of journalists poses a grave threat to media independence and the watchdog role of the press.

The call was made following the election of a new executive leadership team for the Uganda Journalists Association (UJA).

Addressing the press shortly after his election, the newly elected UJA President, Emmanuel Kirunda, committed to defending media workers against state-sponsored harassment and arbitrary detention.

“We must continue defending journalists facing arrest, detention, intimidation, and other forms of harassment in the course of their professional duties,” said Mr Kirunda who is attached to Vision Group.

Kirunda emphasized that true press freedom must extend beyond the right to report and publish news to encompass the economic well-being of journalists.

“Press freedom should go beyond the right to publish stories to include journalists' economic rights, particularly fair remuneration and better working conditions,” he noted, adding, “A journalist who works in fear cannot report the truth. We must protect the press, not punish it.”

Kirunda assumed the UJA presidency through a consensus after his main contender, Rizik Kalungi Agonzibwa of Vision Group, withdrew from the presidential race to run unopposed for the Vice Presidency.

In her acceptance remarks, Kalungi advocated for structured welfare mechanisms to cushion journalists against financial and health emergencies, while pushing for professional advancement.

“We need an organized financial support system to assist journalists facing medical emergencies, as well as dedicated scholarships and educational opportunities to promote career growth,” Kalungi stated.

The election comes against a backdrop of growing concern over the brutal treatment of media practitioners, particularly during political coverage and election cycles. Many journalists across the country continue to live with physical and emotional scars resulting from security personnel attacks during the 2021 general elections, the Kawempe by-election, and other high-profile political events.

Journalists present at the assembly urged the judiciary to hold accountable and prosecute perpetrators of press freedom violations to curb impunity.

The new UJA national executive committee:

• President: Emmanuel Kirunda

• Vice President: Rizik Kalungi Agonzibwa

• Secretary-General: Kabuye Ronald

• Treasurer: Kigongo Issa

• Organizing Secretary: Damba Tadeo

• Secretary for Production: Rachael Namuli Nakabugo

• Secretary for External Relations: Mukisa Daniel

• Secretary for Health and Social Welfare: Mubiru Hakim

Regional representatives:

• Western Uganda: Ismail Bategeka

• Eastern Uganda: Ivan Keziron Wakibi

• Northern Uganda: Joseph Omagor