Journalists Barred from Museveni's Inauguration Cover Event Under Difficulties

Journalists from Nation Media Group Uganda (NMG-U) brands, such as Daily Monitor and NTV, were prevented from officially covering President Yoweri Museveni’s recent inauguration. The ban, now in its second year, meant no accreditation, press jackets, or access to designated media areas.

To circumvent the restrictions, NMG-U journalists had to improvise. One journalist noted that their “black suit became my first credential.” This involved avoiding any media branding and blending in with the crowd or security personnel. Accessing the Kololo Ceremonial Grounds, the venue for the inauguration, proved challenging, requiring journalists to navigate tight security and gain entry without the usual passes.

The ceremony itself was marked by a significant military display, including armored vehicles, paratroopers, and warplanes. The event was attended by numerous heads of state and foreign envoys, underscoring Uganda’s international presence. However, the absence of First Lady Janet Museveni and the subdued reaction from parts of the crowd as President Museveni emerged were notable divergences from previous inaugurations.

Despite the significant military spectacle and state pageantry, the inauguration also highlighted underlying political realities. Opposition figures remain either abroad or detained, and key opposition parties boycotted the event. For independent journalists working under these constraints, the event underscored a growing trend of state control and the marginalization of independent media voices.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda) https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/museveni-s-swearing-in-through-the-eyes-of-barred-nmg-u-journalists-5458566