Politics 1 October 2026 Nile Post
Hoima Journalists Barred from Covering Woman MP Election Petition
Journalists in Hoima were denied access to the High Court proceedings for an election petition challenging the Hoima City Woman MP race, raising concerns about media transparency and public access to information. Source: https://nilepost.co.ug/news/374900/hoima-court-locks-journalists-out-of-city-woman-mp-election-petition
Media practitioners in Hoima encountered significant obstacles on Thursday when they were prevented from covering the High Court’s hearing of an election petition. The case challenges the victory of Asinansi Nyakato, the current Woman Member of Parliament for Hoima City.
The petition was lodged by Princess Diana Jane Mugenyi, the former National Resistance Movement (NRM) candidate, who is contesting Nyakato’s win, secured under the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) banner.
Presided over by Justice Charles Kasibayo, the hearing commenced after both legal teams submitted their respective documents. However, upon arrival, journalists were reportedly informed that they could only enter the courtroom for brief photo and video opportunities before the judge entered. They were then instructed to exit before the substantive proceedings began.
This restriction left many reporters waiting outside the court premises, hoping to obtain comments from the involved candidates and their legal representatives. Several journalists voiced their dismay, with Gad Asaba of Radio Hoima calling it a “bad gesture” that hinders the public’s right to information. Ambrose Nuwagaba Katoto from TV West deemed the decision an “infringement on journalists’ rights.”
Peter Barnabas of New Vision appealed for intervention from higher authorities, questioning why Hoima journalists faced restrictions while media personnel in other parts of the country were allowed to cover similar events. Robert Gard Tusiime, chairperson of the Hoima Journalists Association, described the situation as “unusual.”
A court official, speaking anonymously, indicated that the restriction followed a directive disallowing journalists from the courtroom during proceedings, suggesting they rely on lawyers for updates. The hearing took place under heavy police presence.
Nyakato was declared the winner with 17,142 votes, ahead of Mugenyi’s 15,197. Other candidates, Bridget Kiiza and Sylvia Balyesiima, received 1,362 and 1,009 votes, respectively.