On October 5, 2023, at least 14 journalists were assaulted, arrested, and/or detained, while some had their equipment seized and destroyed by security forces. The incident unfolded while the journalists were covering the return of the leader of the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP), Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu aka Bobi Wine, to the country. Among the arrested journalists were: Joseph Balikuddembe (CBS), Julius Kitone (NBS TV), Isano Francis (NBS TV), Jjengo Eria (Baba TV), Yiga Nasser (Baba TV), Musana Robert (Nexus Media), Richard Olwenyi (NBS TV), Kyambadde Emma (Lujjuliro Online), David Tamale (Bukedde Tv), Mugenyi Ronald, Swaburah Owomukisa, Kenneth Kaweesa (NBS TV), Moses Katumba (NBS TV) and Mariam Nagadya (Baba TV). No clear charges were leveled against the journalists. Uganda has been known for its violent crackdown on journalists reporting on the activities of opposition parties and their leaders in the past.
IPI Africa Media Freedom TrackerPhysical attack on journalists, media infrastructure/officesVerbal, online or physical attack