KAMPALA.The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has condemned Parliament and the Presidency for blocking journalists from the Nation Media Group (NMG) from covering their proceedings.
In a statement issued on Thursday, October 30, 2025, ULS Vice President Anthony Asiimwe described the move as an unconstitutional act of censorship and a direct attack on press freedom. He said the action by the two top government institutions “is a grave assault on freedom of the press and a violation of the constitutional guarantees that protect transparency and democracy.”
“Freedom of the press is not a privilege; it is a constitutional right,” Asiimwe stated. “Article 29(1)(a) of the 1995 Constitution guarantees every person the right to freedom of speech and expression — including freedom of the press and other media.”
The ULS reminded government officials that Article 41 of the Constitution also provides for the right of access to information held by the State or its organs, except in limited cases relating to national security or privacy.
“Blocking journalists from covering Parliament and the Presidency undermines accountability and erodes public trust,” Mr Asiimwe said ,adding “Such actions amount to abuse of constitutional power and a breach of the rule of law.”
The Law Society emphasized that the media serves as a crucial bridge between the government and citizens, enabling public participation, scrutiny, and informed debate, and that it is ready to offer legal support to journalists and media houses affected by the restriction, warning that it may take legal action if the blockade persists.
“We stand in solidarity with the Nation Media Group and the wider media fraternity,” the statement said.
“If the blockade continues, the Uganda Law Society is prepared to challenge this violation of press freedom in court to safeguard the constitutional order.”
Mr Asiimwe urged both Parliament and the Presidency to immediately lift the restrictions and reaffirm their commitment to transparency.
“Freedom of the press is the lifeblood of democracy. Silencing the media is silencing the citizens,” he warned, adding that, “The Uganda Law Society remains committed to protecting constitutionalism, democracy, and human rights.”
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 released Wednesday evening, Mr Kirunda Faruk, the Special Presidential Assistant on Press and Deputy Press Secretary, clarified that the decision by the President was limited in scope and followed repeated distortions in the Group’s coverage of his engagements.
“To set the record straight: H.E. @KagutaMuseveni stopped NMG (parent company of @DailyMonitor, @ntvuganda, @933kfm, etc.) from covering him as an individual after persistent instances of misreporting,” Kirunda said, quoting an NMG statement on the same.
“But the President did not stop NMG from working in Uganda or covering other government institutions. Moreover, as PPU, we continue to provide press releases and appreciate their use,” he added.
Mr Kirunda explained that President Museveni remains a firm defender of constitutional freedoms, noting that he has consistently promoted free media and access to information since restoring constitutional governance in Uganda.
“President Museveni cannot infringe on constitutional provisions when he is the one who oversaw the return to constitutionalism and the rule of law. He remains the most media-friendly leader,” he emphasized.
NMG Protests ‘Months-Long’ Blockade
Kirunda’s statement came hours after the Nation Media Group-Uganda earlier in the day issued a scathing statement expressing deep concern over its journalists being barred from covering both the Presidency and Parliament of Uganda.
The Group, which owns Daily Monitor, NTV Uganda, and KFM, described the restrictions as a violation of press freedom and citizens’ right to access information under the 1995 Constitution.
“There has been no formal communication explaining the reasons behind this blockade. Denying coverage of the Presidency and Parliament violates the letter and spirit of the Constitution,” said Susan Nsibirwa, NGM-U Managing Director.
The Group vowed to continue its work of holding public institutions accountable and reaffirmed its commitment to journalism that “informs, educates, and empowers citizens.” “Independent media is not a privilege; it is a constitutional duty,” the statement emphasized.