East African Press Councils warns growing attacks on media threaten democracy and press freedom

Journalists protest in Nairobi as the world marked World Press Freedom Day on May 3, 2025. (Photo: Courtesy)

By Rachael Mutabasi
Sunday, June 28, 2026

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The East African Press Councils has urged governments and media organisations to resolve disputes through dialogue, warning that growing intimidation of journalists in Kenya and Uganda is undermining press freedom, democracy and the public's right to information.

The East African Press Councils (EAPC) has called for an immediate de-escalation of growing tensions between governments and media organisations across the region, warning that continued attacks on press freedom threaten democracy, journalists' safety and the public's right to access information.

The appeal follows the shutdown of Nation Media Group's media outlets in Uganda and escalating tensions between the Kenyan government and the Standard Group, developments that have heightened concerns over press freedom in East Africa.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the EAPC expressed concern over increasing intimidation, profiling and attacks against journalists by state authorities, warning that such actions are creating fear among media practitioners and encouraging self-censorship.

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Its appeal comes after Nation Media Group's Daily Monitor, NTV Uganda, Spark TV and KFM were shut down in Uganda after Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba ordered the outlets closed, saying they would not reopen without his permission. Military personnel were subsequently deployed to the media group's premises in Kampala, disrupting operations.

The regional body also cited the ongoing public dispute between the Kenyan government and the Standard Group, including the alleged abduction of one of the media house's editors.

"The media represents a significant economic investment across the region, where journalists operate under professional ethics and relevant laws. They therefore have a duty to report on matters of public interest, even when such reporting may be uncomfortable, irritating or inconvenient to those in public office," EAPC Chairperson David Omwoyo said.

The council said while constitutions across the region guarantee freedom of expression, they also recognise that the right comes with justifiable limitations. It added that the same constitutions also guarantee the public's right to access information.

"We call for respect and upholding of media freedom and protection from any form of harassment and intimidation on one hand and on the other urge the media to practise restraint and responsibility in its public watchdog role," the statement said.