Uganda’s Media Freedom At A Crossroads As Missing Journalist Case Raises Fresh Questions
+256 702 23 93 37: Jengo disappeared on September 10 after reportedly leaving his workplace in Kampala's Ntinda area. Police confirmed that a disappearance case had been reported and that investigations were continuing. His colleagues and family have continued seeking answers about his whereabouts.
UgandaToday: Uganda’s Media Freedom At A Crossroads As Missing Journalist Case Raises Fresh Questions
KAMPALA — Uganda’s media environment is once again facing intense scrutiny following renewed concerns over restrictions on journalism, legislation affecting civil society and media organisations, and the unresolved disappearance of Baba TV journalist Eria Jengo.
Jengo disappeared on September 10 after reportedly leaving his workplace in Kampala’s Ntinda area. Police confirmed that a disappearance case had been reported and that investigations were continuing. His colleagues and family have continued seeking answers about his whereabouts.
Where Is Eria Jengo?
The disappearance of a journalist is particularly disturbing because journalism depends upon the ability of reporters to move freely, communicate with sources and perform their professional duties without intimidation.
According to reports from his colleagues, Jengo left the newsroom to get something to eat and did not return. His phones, laptop and camera were reportedly left behind.
Police have said they are investigating the circumstances surrounding his disappearance.
At this stage, there is no established evidence in the public record proving who is responsible for his disappearance or why he vanished.
That distinction is essential.
A responsible media organisation must demand answers without presenting unverified allegations as established fact.
The Wider Media Environment
Jengo’s case has emerged against a wider backdrop of concerns about press freedom.
Reporters Without Borders, in an assessment published on October 5, warned that Uganda’s newly enacted Protection of Sovereignty Act could create additional risks for independent media organisations receiving foreign funding.
The organisation argues that some provisions of the law could potentially be used against activities considered to influence public policy or oppose government policy.
The government, however, presents sovereignty and national-interest legislation as necessary tools for protecting Uganda from foreign interference.
That creates an important national debate:
How can Uganda protect its sovereignty without creating laws that discourage legitimate journalism, research, civil-society activity and public scrutiny?
The Military And The Media
Another development that has attracted attention is the June incident involving Nation Media Group Uganda.
RSF says General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, ordered soldiers to raid the headquarters of Nation Media Group Uganda in an attempt to force its outlets to stop broadcasting programmes.
Any allegation involving military interference with civilian media operations deserves serious scrutiny because the armed forces operate under a constitutional framework and should not become an instrument for controlling legitimate journalism.
The government and military authorities should therefore provide clear explanations whenever such allegations arise.
Elections And The Media
Uganda’s 2026 elections have further demonstrated why media independence matters.
Elections are not merely about voting.
They require citizens to have access to competing ideas, independent reporting, credible information and the ability to scrutinise those seeking public office.
The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights previously raised concerns over restrictions on freedom of expression, media freedom and internet access ahead of Uganda’s 2026 elections.
Meanwhile, the Electoral Commission continues to handle electoral complaints and related processes following the general elections, including disputes over local and parliamentary results.
Journalism Is Not The Enemy Of Government
A mature democracy should not regard criticism as automatically hostile.
Government needs scrutiny because public officials manage public resources and exercise powers granted to them by the Constitution.
Equally, journalists must observe professional standards. Publishing allegations without verification, fabricating information or deliberately misleading the public cannot be defended under the banner of press freedom.
The answer to irresponsible journalism, however, should be lawful accountability and professional regulation — not intimidation, arbitrary detention or disappearance.
The Question Uganda Must Answer
The disappearance of Eria Jengo should therefore not become merely another forgotten news story.
His family deserves answers.
His colleagues deserve answers.
The public deserves answers.
And Uganda’s journalists deserve an environment in which they can perform their duties without fear.
Authorities should provide regular, transparent updates on the investigation into Jengo’s disappearance, while media organisations must continue to uphold accuracy, fairness and verification.
The strength of a country is not demonstrated by how little criticism its leaders tolerate.
It is demonstrated by how confidently its institutions can withstand scrutiny.
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