The decision was announced by the Ministry of Information, Communication and Technology in a statement released in Kampala.
By Titlope Adako
Uganda’s government on Monday imposed a ban on the live airing of riots, illegal marches and other violent scenes as the country prepares for its January 15 election.
The decision was announced by the Ministry of Information, Communication and Technology in a statement released in Kampala.
According to the ministry, broadcasting or streaming violent incidents and unlawful gatherings in real time has been outlawed, citing concerns that such coverage could heighten tensions and trigger public fear.
The directive also restricts the spread of material deemed to promote hatred, violence or incitement.
The move comes amid an increasingly tense political atmosphere, with President Yoweri Museveni seeking to prolong his four-decade hold on power.
Museveni is being challenged by 43-year-old musician-turned-politician Bobi Wine.
In the weeks leading up to the polls, security agencies have arrested hundreds of opposition supporters.
More than 50 people were killed ahead of the 2021 elections during security operations targeting Wine’s backers.
Wine and his supporters accused Museveni of manipulating the outcome of that election, claims the president rejected.
Museveni has ruled Uganda since 1986, after emerging victorious from a five-year armed struggle.
He ranks among Africa’s longest-serving leaders.
Human rights organisations and critics have for years accused his administration of using intimidation, torture and other abuses to silence dissent.
The government has consistently denied the allegations.
Amnesty International said on Monday that security forces had intensified what it called a harsh crackdown on Wine’s supporters in the lead-up to the election.
The group alleged that opposition supporters were subjected to arbitrary detention, physical abuse and torture.
Officials from the government and the police were yet to respond to requests for comment.
Meanwhile, veteran opposition leader Kizza Besigye remains behind bars more than a year after his arrest on treason-related charges.
Besigye has also denied the accusations.
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