KAMPALA 27 February, 2025: During the media stakeholder’s meeting held on Thursday at Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) head office in Kampala, the issue of combating hate speech took a center stage with government officials emphasizing that media outlets must proactively eliminate harmful content, which they say has become a national security concern.
To some extent, the media owners including online media managers agreed that indeed irresponsible media use can be of serious consequences: tarnishing the Uganda’s image abroad and damaging characters of individuals. However, they noted that the problem may not necessarily be originating from their side alone. The media owners pointed out that whereas hate speech has become a matter of concern, the practice is largely propagated by unregulated media outlets, but also the law should apply to powerful individuals in government who misuse media spaces with impunity.
Andrew Irumba Katusabe, the president of Independent Online Journalists Association of Uganda (INDOJA-U) was unequivocal on the matter of hate speech being not solely propagated by media outlets but also by errant government officials, and his presentation attracted a huge applause, seemingly speaking the minds of the majority in attendance;
Bellow is Andrew Irumba Katusabe’s speech (verbatim):
Hon. Minister Dr.Balaam Barugahara, ED UCC Hon.Nyombi Thembo, Maj Gen. Felix Kulayigye, and my brother Luke Owoyesigyire, Distinguished Media Owners, Fellow Stakeholders, and Esteemed Guests
I stand before you today as the President of the Independent Online Journalists Association of Uganda (INDOJA-U), an organization that represents the voices of online journalists and digital media practitioners, committed to upholding ethical journalism, press freedom, and responsible digital communication, especially as we approach a critical election period.
We recognize the concern about hate speech and the impact it can have on national stability. Indeed, as media practitioners, we acknowledge our responsibility in shaping public discourse and ensuring that our platforms do not become channels for incitement, misinformation, or division.
However, as we address this issue, we must be honest about the root causes. Hate speech and divisive narratives do not originate from the media; they start from individuals—sometimes from those in positions of power.
While we welcome this conversation on curbing hate speech, we must also address the conduct of security forces and government officials.
We have witnessed instances where security officers, including high-ranking generals, using their social media platforms to issue inflammatory statements. I have personally seen a General posting tweets filled with threats, promising to “break someone’s balls,” among other remarks. When the media reports such statements, it is not the author who is held accountable—it is the media instead! Ooh! what a country!
The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) and other regulatory bodies are quick to summon journalists instead of questioning the original source of the hate speech. This double standard must be addressed if we are to have a fair and credible fight against hate speech.
We, therefore, call upon security forces to exercise at least minimum professionalism in carrying out their duties. If the goal is to promote unity and responsible communication, then those entrusted with national security must lead by example. Hate speech, threats, and inflammatory rhetoric should not come from leaders who are supposed to be custodians of peace.
As we prepare for the upcoming elections, let us commit to fairness, professionalism, and ethical communication. Hate speech and divisive rhetoric must be tackled at the source, not just at the level of media reporting. Together, we can foster a media environment that promotes unity, truth, and national development.
I thank you, and I look forward to productive discussions.
For God and My Country!
Andrew Irumba Katusabe
President, INDOJA-U.
Nevertheless, the meeting which was prompted by the Presidential Advisor on Special Operations, Gen. Muhoozi Keinerugaba dubbed “Harmonizing National Security Concerns and Civil liberties in Uganda including Media freedoms, concluded with a raft of ‘resolutions’ slapped on media practitioners;
1. Media outlets must proactively eliminate harmful content and ensure consistency in publishing.
2. Published content must conform to relevant laws such as the Penal Code Act, UPDF Act and Computer Misuse Act.
3. Media should promote patriotism and unity among Ugandans.
4. Establish Coordination between Media agencies and security services.
5. Foster collaboration and information sharing between security agencies, Uganda Communications Commission and media operators.
6. Media owners, CEOs and key personnel will undergo a course at the National Leadership Institute Kyankwanzi by June 30, 2025 to remind themselves of the cardinal roles of the media and other national matters.
