By Adonis Byemelwa
Kampala — Uganda is under renewed international scrutiny after a series of security operations targeting opposition politicians, lawyers and independent media, developments that have sparked debate over civil liberties, press freedom and the military’s increasing role in civilian affairs.
The recent events saw security forces deployed to the offices of Nation Media Group Uganda, halting operations at NTV Uganda, Spark TV, Daily Monitor, KFM, and Dembe FM, following public orders from Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
Press freedom organisations and opposition politicians condemned the action, but government officials later stated the operation was part of a security investigation ordered by President Yoweri Museveni.
Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda, the Member of Parliament for the former Kira Municipality, said the closing of the newspaper was “an unprecedented attack on independent journalism” and that military participation in the media’s activities was a violation of the constitutional right to freedom of expression. He called on Ugandans to protect democratic institutions by legal and peaceful means.
The limitations come amid rising political tensions following a spate of arrests of opposition members and government critics. Human rights groups, including Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, have urged the Ugandan government to respect due process for everyone in custody and guarantee that security operations adhere to national and international legal standards.
One instance that has attracted considerable attention is the arrest of Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, who has become a particular target of criticism from opposition politicians and civil society groups.
His lawyers have questioned parts of the prosecution, and supporters say the case highlights broader issues about the use of criminal charges against political opponents.
Another key step saw the former Ethics and Integrity Minister, Dr Miria Matembe. Matembe was arraigned before the Luzira Magistrate’s Court on June 30 and formally charged with fostering sectarianism after days of attorneys and activists openly questioning her whereabouts following reports of a security raid at her Luzira apartment.
The charge is based on comments allegedly made during a television interview in June on DK TV Uganda, when Matembe allegedly remarked that “all our taxes are being spent on the Banyankole women ministers,” the prosecution said.
The prosecutors said the speech was likely to encourage animosity or ill will against members of the Banyankole ethnic minority, in contravention of Section 38(1)(d) of Uganda’s Penal Code Act.
Before the Grade One Magistrate Sheilla Gloria Atim, 73, the former minister, rejected the charge and pleaded not guilty. Her lawyers, backed by Uganda Law Society Vice President Anthony Asiimwe, Samuel Muyizi and Steven Kalali, argued she was in terrible health and needed urgent medical attention and sought her release on bail.
Magistrate Atim said no medical proof had been submitted to the court to support the request and refused to entertain the bail plea immediately, setting a formal bail hearing for July 1. Matembe was accordingly sent to Luzira Prisons to await further procedures.
Outside the courtroom, opposition sympathisers and legal observers said the case would be widely followed because of Matembe’s long public career as a former cabinet minister, a representative to the constitutional assembly, and a vocal advocate for governance reforms.
In the meantime, government prosecutors said investigations are still ongoing and that charges should be pursued through the judiciary.
The case has also rekindled the discussion about Uganda’s sectarian laws. Government officials have repeatedly defended the measure as vital to restrict comments that could incite ethnic animosity and undermine national unity. However, critics say the law’s wide language might inhibit lawful political expression and criticism.
The focus of international scrutiny has shifted from individual prosecutions to broader issues of press freedom and democratic governance. Amnesty International, the Committee to Protect Journalists, and other advocacy groups have called on Ugandan authorities to reopen media outlets, protect journalists from intimidation, and uphold constitutional principles of free expression.
Senior legislators in Washington have also voiced concern about the direction things are heading. Senator Jim Risch, head of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said he wanted a review of U.S. security cooperation with Uganda, citing that respect for democratic institutions and basic freedoms should be important to bilateral relations. Reuters reported that some governments are considering whether to review their current security alliances in light of recent developments.
Government officials dismissed claims that Uganda was forsaking the rule of law. They argue that the ongoing investigations are within the Constitution’s bounds and that the security agencies are responding to real concerns rather than political affiliation. The operation involving Nation Media Group was part of a wider security probe, officials also noted.
Political observers say the combination of media restrictions, high-profile criminal convictions and mounting foreign condemnation has put Uganda under an exceptional degree of diplomatic scrutiny. Whether such moves are only transitory security measures or represent a longer-term shift in the country’s political environment is likely to spark significant local and international debate.
For many Ugandans, the pressing questions go beyond particular personalities. Today’s primary challenges are the independence of public institutions, the balancing act between national security and constitutional freedoms, and the justice system’s ability to sustain public confidence amid high political stress. How those questions are handled over the next few weeks will influence Uganda’s democratic destiny far beyond the present political cycle.
