In preparation for the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) of the human rights situation in Uganda, ARTICLE 19 has submitted a report highlighting the country’s restrictive legislation related to the media and freedom of expression; the failure of the government to implement the access to information legislation; and the frequent attacks on journalists, human rights defenders and political opponents.
ARTICLE 19’s submission focuses on restrictive legislation regarding media and freedom of expression. These laws include various offences related to promotion of sectarianism, criminal defamation, and terrorism under the Ugandan Penal Code, that are vague and overbroad and susceptible to abuse. The submission also highlights the licensing of journalists under the 1995 Press and Journalist Act, the provisions of the 2002 Suppression of Terrorism Act, and the recent Regulation of Interception of Communications Act of 2010.
Click here for the full report.