Oyam, Uganda: Journalists in Oyam District have raised fresh demands for protection from violence and intimidation, citing increased hostility as Uganda edges closer to the 2026 general elections.
The call was made during the belated commemoration of World Press Freedom Day, held on May 17, 2025, under the theme “Reporting in the Brave New World – The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and the Media.”
The Oyam Media Association used the occasion to not only amplify concerns over press safety but also to give back to the community by donating bars of soap and detergent to the maternal ward at Anyeke Health Center IV.
Chris James Woo, the association’s interim chairperson, said journalists in Oyam are frequently targeted with threats and harassment, especially while carrying out their duties in politically sensitive environments.
“We encounter a lot of challenges, one of which is limited access to information sources. We also face threats, intimidation, and sometimes brutality. So far, journalists in Oyam have been attacked and beaten three times. Some of the cases are still pending investigation,” Woo revealed.
Solomon Okello, a reporter with an online publication, recounted an incident on February 2, 2025, when journalists were invited for coverage but were instead met with hostility.
“Press freedom and journalist safety in Oyam are at risk. A journalist is a human being like you. To torture a journalist in the field is like following someone to his office and beating him up. This is criminal,” he said.
Veteran journalist Jasper Okello reflected on this year’s theme, noting the risks posed by artificial intelligence to journalistic ethics, particularly around misinformation and unverified content.
“Artificial Intelligence has, in two ways, affected how journalists work. One major concern is misinformation. If not careful, AI can distort facts, and that erodes journalistic ethics,” Okello warned.
He also criticized the ongoing brutality against journalists in the district, noting that such behavior often comes from individuals trying to hide the truth. “The people who turn to violence are often hiding something. If you’re not hiding anything, allow it to be checked. Journalists are here to help society understand, let them do their work.”
Local leaders also added their voice to the call for better protection of media workers. Loro Sub-county Community Development Officer Christine Nyana recognized journalists as the fourth estate and urged for financial empowerment of media associations to enhance press freedom and civic engagement.
Oyam District LC5 Chairperson Benson Dila, delivering a message from State Minister for Northern Uganda Dr. Kenneth Omona, reassured journalists that the government remains committed to their protection.
“The government of Uganda is committed to protecting human rights and the rights of journalists. In the upcoming 2026 elections, no security agent shall interfere with journalists doing their work,” Dila said.
In a bid to foster better relations between the press and law enforcement, a football match was held between the West Lango media team and the Uganda Police Force–Oyam. The journalists thrashed police 4–0 in the friendly game aimed at promoting mutual respect and collaboration.
Levi Tumuhangirwe, Officer-in-Charge of Oyam Central Police Station, welcomed the initiative. “Such games are a form of community policing. They help us bridge the gap between the media and police. I encourage more of such interactions.”
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