Uganda Ban Live Broadcast of Riots, Unlawful Processions Ahead of General Election

The Ugandan government has announced a ban on the live broadcast and streaming of riots, unlawful processions, and other violent incidents as the country prepares for its upcoming general election.

The restriction was disclosed on Monday by the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology in a statement issued in Kampala. According to the ministry, live coverage of such events is prohibited because it could heighten public tension and trigger widespread panic.

Authorities also warned against the circulation of content considered inciting, hateful, or violent, stressing that such materials would not be tolerated during the election period.

The announcement comes amid heightened political tension ahead of the January 15 election, in which long-serving President Yoweri Museveni is seeking to extend his rule of nearly four decades. Museveni is being challenged by several opposition figures, including 43-year-old musician-turned-politician Bobi Wine.

In recent weeks, security agencies have reportedly detained hundreds of opposition supporters. Similar crackdowns were recorded during the 2021 elections, when more than 50 people were killed during protests linked to alleged electoral irregularities. Museveni has consistently denied accusations of election rigging.

Museveni, who took power in 1986 after a prolonged armed struggle, is currently Africa’s third-longest-serving leader. His administration has repeatedly faced criticism from opposition groups and human rights organisations, which accuse security forces of intimidation, torture, and repression of political opponents. The government has denied these allegations.

On Monday, Amnesty International said Ugandan security forces had launched what it described as a brutal campaign against Bobi Wine’s supporters, involving arbitrary arrests, physical assaults, and torture in the lead-up to the election.

Government and police spokespersons had not responded to requests for comment on the claims as of the time of reporting.

Meanwhile, another prominent opposition figure, Kizza Besigye, remains in detention more than a year after his arrest on treason charges, allegations he has also denied.