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Ugandan media owners are calling for government approval to import armoured gear, including bulletproof jackets, helmets, and body armour, to ensure the safety of journalists ahead of the 2026 general elections.
This request follows the recent violence against journalists during the Kawempe North by-election, where several media workers were severely beaten by security forces, with some requiring hospitalisation.
The Kawempe North election violence has been described by many observers as a precursor for what is coming in the 2026 general elections.
Dr. Innocent Nahabwe, Chairman of the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) addressed the issue at a Uganda Law Society Public Engagement on the Alliance Against Electoral Violence.
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Nahabwe, who is also the CEO of Galaxy FM and TV revealed that talks were ongoing to convince the government to allow capable media houses to import armoured gear for their reporters.
He noted that currently, such equipment once imported, gets seized by the government for being militaristic.
What we are pursuing now is to be allowed – for those who can – to purchase more gear for the safety of their reporters
We hope that the reporters can get another layer of protection, not just from the bullets but even in case they are beaten, the helmets and body armour can shield them and the damage will not be as bad.
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Speaking on the growing concern over the recurring violence during election cycles, Dr Nahabwe noted that every election cycle sees similar violence directed at journalists.
Despite past efforts to engage with security forces, he said, such as organising a friendly football match to foster better relations, the violence persists, making it difficult for journalists to safely carry out their duties.
“We are only a mirror of society. When you show your ugly face, the mirror cannot make that face look good. For you, as the government to change that image, you can only change yourself and your actions for you to have a good image,” he said.
Police support idea
During the meeting, SSP Donald Muhwezi, from the Uganda Police Kampala Metropolitan Area, supported the request for safety gear, acknowledging the risks that journalists face while covering elections.
“You are not going to carry a pen and a book and think you are immune,” he warned, stressing that journalists must be prepared for the dangerous nature of the field during elections.