Politics 3 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Uganda Enters Alarming Phase of Intensified Repression and Political Intolerance
A Daily Monitor columnist warns that Uganda is sliding into a dark period marked by growing state repression against free speech, media, and civic spaces. Recent crackdowns on digital activism and even rumors signal a hostile shift toward independent thought. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/oped/commentary/growing-repression-signals-dark-era-in-uganda-5412554
Uganda appears to be entering a troubling era of heightened repression, where even routine opinion writing faces unprecedented risks. Columnists at independent outlets like Daily Monitor have long enjoyed relative freedom to critique those in power, with some columns running for over two decades despite political sensitivities.
However, recent developments suggest a sharp turn. The political establishment now seems poised to suspend critical columns, abduct writers, or charge them with vague offenses after illegal detentions. This hostility extends beyond media to civil society, academia, performing arts, and online activism.
Basic acts like spreading rumors—morally wrong but not criminal—now lead to arrests, especially against public figures. Uganda’s Supreme Court has upheld that free speech includes the right to be wrong or annoy officials, rejecting colonial-era laws on false news.
State efforts target digital platforms not for public good, but to shield narrow power interests. Blocking Facebook for over five years has failed, as most users bypass restrictions. Such repression wastes resources amid pressing socioeconomic challenges like poverty, fueling more dissent and vengeance cycles.
While abuses of power are not new, their current scale is deeply concerning, undermining national progress.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)