Uganda has banned the live broadcast of riots, unlawful processions, and other violent incidents ahead of its upcoming election, the Ministry of Information, Communication and Technology announced on Monday in Kampala
The ministry said in a statement that “live broadcast or streaming of riots, unlawful processions, or violent incidents is prohibited, as it can escalate tension and spread panic.” It also forbade the circulation of content deemed “inciting, hateful or violent.”
The move comes amid a tense lead-up to the January 15 election, where President Yoweri Museveni is seeking to extend his 40-year rule against 43-year-old opposition leader Bobi Wine, a pop star turned politician. Authorities have already detained hundreds of opposition supporters in recent weeks.
Uganda’s last election in 2021 saw violent crackdowns that left more than 50 people dead. Museveni, who took power in 1986 following a five-year rebellion, has been accused by critics and human rights groups of using security forces to intimidate and torture opponents, allegations he has repeatedly denied.
Amnesty International said on Monday that Ugandan security forces have carried out a “brutal campaign of repression against Wine’s supporters in the run-up to the election, subjecting them to arbitrary arrests, beatings and torture.”
Requests for comment from government and police spokespeople were not immediately answered.
Meanwhile, prominent opposition figure Kizza Besigye remains in prison more than a year after his arrest on treason charges, which he has denied.
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