KAMPALA. The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) has expressed deep concern over the decision to block journalists from the Nation Media Group (NMG-Uganda) from covering parliamentary proceedings.
On Tuesday, security officers at Parliament reportedly denied entry to NMG journalists, confiscating their accreditation cards and citing unspecified “instructions not to let them in.”
No official reason was given for the action and Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa as feigned prior knowledge of the decision.
In a statement issued by the NAB Secretariat on Tuesday , the association described the incident as “a direct affront to press freedom,” noting that it mirrors a recent restriction on the same media house’s coverage of the Presidency.
“NAB is deeply concerned by reports that our member, the Nation Media Group-Uganda, has been blocked from covering the Parliament of Uganda. This action, following a similar blockade on covering the Presidency, is a direct affront to press freedom,” the statement reads in part
The broadcasters’ body emphasized that journalism is a constitutional right and a cornerstone of democracy, particularly in the build-up to national elections.
“Journalism is not a crime. It is a constitutionally guaranteed right and a vital pillar of democracy, especially during an election season,” NAB said.
The association further noted that the media’s duty is to inform citizens and hold those in power accountable, even when their reporting may be viewed as critical.
“The media’s role is to inform citizens and hold power to account. This sometimes involves reporting that may be perceived as critical, but in a democratic society, these checks and balances are essential for transparency and good governance,” NAB added.
According to the statement, NAB has engaged relevant authorities to seek a quick and constructive resolution to the matter.
“NAB has engaged the relevant authorities to urgently seek a solution and a constructive way forward,” the association stated, stressing the need for mutual respect between the media and state institutions.
“We believe it is imperative for the Fourth Estate and the arms of government to coexist, respecting the constitutional mandate of all parties to serve the public interest,” NAB said.
The development comes on the heels of a similar incident in which NMG journalists were reportedly barred from covering presidential events earlier this month, including the ongoing re-election campaign of President Museveni.
On Wednesday, NMG-Uganda urged the Presidency and Parliament to respect constitutional media freedoms after its journalists were barred from covering both institutions.
NMG-U Managing Director Ms Susan Nsibirwa condemned the restrictions as “a growing cancer of intolerance” that denies citizens their right to know. “Denying coverage to independent media violates the letter and spirit of the Constitution,” she said.
Despite the bans, NMG vowed to continue “bold and thoughtful journalism,” insisting that “media freedom is unstoppable” and “democracy dies in darkness.”