Uganda bans live coverage of protests ahead of January 15 election
Uganda's Ministry of Information on Monday banned live broadcast and streaming of riots, illegal demonstrations, and violent incidents ahead of the January 15 general election. The government says live coverage could heighten tensions and trigger panic, and warned against circulating materials deemed inciting or hateful.
The ban comes amid heightened political tension as President Yoweri Museveni—Africa's third-longest-serving leader at 40 years in power—faces strong challenge from opposition candidate Bobi Wine. Security agencies have reportedly arrested hundreds of opposition supporters. Amnesty International on Monday accused security forces of a "brutal campaign of repression" including unlawful detention and torture of Bobi Wine supporters.
Similar crackdowns during the 2021 election left over 50 people dead after violent confrontations between security forces and Bobi Wine's supporters, who accused Museveni of electoral fraud. Veteran opposition figure Kizza Besigye remains detained over treason charges more than a year after his arrest. The government has not responded to the latest allegations.