The 17th edition of Uganda Media Week 2025 opened with a strong call for the protection of independent journalism ahead of next year’s elections, as media practitioners, regulators, and stakeholders gathered at Four Points by Sheraton in Kampala to discuss the state of press freedom and the future of journalism in Uganda.
Under the theme “Building Resilience: Safeguarding Independent Journalism,” the conference brought together members of the media fraternity to reflect on challenges facing independent journalism, including government control, influence, censorship, and threats to media freedom.
Dr. Emily Marathon, a media scholar and Board Chair of the African Centre for Media Excellence (ACME), set the tone of the conference with a powerful reminder about the role of journalism in shaping democracy. “The media vote matters, politics matter, culture, and resilience, and each of these things is affected by the politics of the day,” she said. “It’s too late for journalists to be doing our work as we used to do 2,000 years ago. We must adapt to the changing media landscape.”
Her remarks underscored the need for journalists to remain relevant, innovative, and resilient in the face of shifting political and technological dynamics.
Dr. George Lugalambi, Executive Director of ACME, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to promoting professional media practice in Uganda. “We recognize our role in nurturing the sector we are living in, and we are committed to promoting professional media practices,” he said. “We urge media owners and editors to remain mindful of the immense power and responsibility they hold, and to exercise it judiciously in the interest of promoting harmony, peace, and publicity.”
Speakers throughout the day emphasized that media independence is a cornerstone of democratic development. They called for journalists to take an active role in pushing for electoral reforms and for regulators to foster an environment that encourages professionalism, accountability, and editorial freedom. “A truly independent media cannot exist with journalists who do not feel safe, supported, and motivated,” one speaker said. “We urge media owners to prioritize journalist well-being and fair remuneration.”
Representing the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), Fred Otunnu, Director of Corporate Affairs, pledged to continue supporting a free and professional press. “We are committed to promoting a free, independent, and professional media, which is essential for our country’s socioeconomic transformation, peace, and social coherence,” he said. “Regulation should enable professionalism, accountability, and sustainability, rather than stifle journalism.”
However, participants raised growing concerns over the safety and welfare of journalists, with several media leaders decrying increasing cases of violence against reporters.
Dick Nvule, News Editor at Simba FM, voiced the frustration many journalists face on the ground. “We are seeing more violence against journalists, and it’s a major concern,” he said. “Journalists are being beaten by the state itself, and it’s making it difficult for us to do our work.”
The discussions also pointed to the rapid transformation of the media industry, driven by technology, artificial intelligence, and digital innovation, and the urgent need for media houses to adapt or risk being left behind.
The Uganda Media Week Conference, organized annually by ACME, serves as a platform for journalists and media professionals to exchange ideas, strengthen ethical standards, and promote media development and professionalism across the country.
As Uganda heads toward another election cycle, this year’s edition served as a timely reminder that resilient, independent journalism remains the bedrock of democracy.
