By The Respondents ReporterThe Federation of Eastern Africa Journalists (FEAJ) has strongly condemned the shutdown of several Ugandan media outlets, describing the move as a serious attack on press freedom and calling on the government to uphold constitutional and legal principles.
In a statement issued on June 28, the regional journalists' body said it had noted with concern the closure of NTV Uganda, Daily Monitor, and Spark TV, warning that suppressing independent media undermines democratic governance and public accountability.
FEAJ criticized what it described as the government's decision to silence media organizations instead of addressing the country's challenges through lawful and transparent means.
The federation also addressed Uganda's Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, saying intimidation of journalists would not resolve the country's political and governance issues or restore public confidence in the government.
"The media has continued to survive even under the most repressive governments around the world," the statement said, expressing confidence that Ugandan journalists would continue documenting developments despite the restrictions.
FEAJ called on journalists in Uganda to remain committed to their professional duty of informing the public and holding those in power accountable, while urging them not to be intimidated by the closures.
The organization also expressed solidarity with media practitioners facing what it described as state reprisals because of their reporting and public interest journalism.
At the same time, FEAJ urged the Ugandan authorities to follow due legal process if they believe any media organizations violated the law, rather than resorting to forceful shutdowns.
"The government should rely on the country's constitutional and legal framework when addressing alleged violations," the federation said.
The statement comes amid growing concern from regional and international media rights organizations over press freedom in Uganda, where journalists and media houses have periodically faced restrictions, arrests and other forms of state action.
