Defending Truth in the Age of Polarization: Uganda Marks World Press Freedom Day 2025
On Tuesday, May 6, 2025, Uganda’s media fraternity, academia, civil society, and government officials gathered at Makerere University to commemorate World Press Freedom Day under the theme “Defending Truth in the Age of Polarization and Distrust.” Hosted by the Department of Journalism and Communication in partnership with the Uganda Media Sector Working Group (UMSWG), the event brought together leading voices to reflect on the current state of press freedom in Uganda and globally.
With information ecosystems increasingly under pressure from misinformation, political polarization, and public distrust, this year’s commemoration served as a timely reminder of journalism’s enduring role in safeguarding democratic values.
Mr Paulo Ekochu, the Chairperson Media Council Of Uganda gave opening remarks emphasizing the need to defend truth amidst spiraling misinformation and propaganda that dominates digital platforms.
Welcome remarks from Paulo Ekochu #WorldPressFreedom2025 pic.twitter.com/piHR9DCtoz
— Debunk Media Initiative (@TheDebunkShow) May 6, 2025
Keynote Address
The Keynote address given by Mr Philip Karugaba, Advocate for the rule of law was centered around the critical role of journalists today amidst increased violent attacks in their work. It’s important to note that journalists in Uganda have been brutalized by security forces and this has led to severe trauma to journalists and a dark cloud of declining press freedom in the country.
Keynote address from Mr Phillip Karugaba, Advocate for the Rule of Law. “Journalists are not just messengers, they are frontline defenders of human rights”. #WorldPressFreedomDay2025 pic.twitter.com/twR24awkkE
— Debunk Media Initiative (@TheDebunkShow) May 6, 2025
Plenary Session.
A plenary session moderated by Mr Imokola John Baptist discussed Media Elections and Security in Uganda. The panel consisted of
- Julius Mucunguzi– Spokesperson Electoral Commission
- Joanna Nakabiito– Manager Peace, Governance East African Affairs Inter Religious Council of Uganda
- Abubaker Lubowa– Journalist, Nation Media Group
Mr Julius Mucunguzi emphasized the need for a free independent and responsible media to have a free independent electoral process.
@j_mucunguzi ;- We can’t envision a free independent electoral process without a free independent and responsible media. #DefendTheTruthUG #WorldPressFreedomDay pic.twitter.com/yIbb72JBjf
— Debunk Media Initiative (@TheDebunkShow) May 6, 2025
Joanna Nakabiito expressed her sympathy towards the brutality against journalist in the recent 2025 Kawempe By elections and called for all stakeholders to ensure and uphold peace in the forthcoming elections in 2026.
Joanna Nakabiito, Manager- Peace, Governance & East African Affairs, Inter Religious Council of Uganda expresses her sympathy towards the brutality faced by journalists during the #2025KawempeByElection #WorldPressFreedomDay2025 pic.twitter.com/9oCFiVniXF
— Debunk Media Initiative (@TheDebunkShow) May 6, 2025
Abubaker Lubowa echoed the need for security forces to stop brutalizing journalists, citing the 2025 Kawempe by election as a very dark time for press freedom in Uganda.
We are supposed to run to the security forces for protection when we are in danger. Instead, we are running away from them, and they are chasing after us. @abubakerlubowa speaks about his experience at Kawempe North By-elections. #DefendTruthUG #WorldPressFreedomDay2025 pic.twitter.com/jwtYh5mKUL
— ACME Africa (@ACME_Africa) May 6, 2025
Mr Paulo Ekochu speaks on the issue of accreditation of journalists and how they can cover the upcoming elections in harmony with the regulatory bodies.
Mr Paulo Ekochu speaks on the issue of accreditation of journalists and how they can cover the upcoming elections in harmony with the regulatory bodies. #DefendTheTruthUG #WorldPressFreedomDay25 pic.twitter.com/kZwZ8AIldp
— Debunk Media Initiative (@TheDebunkShow) May 6, 2025
Press Freedom Awards
Awards were handed to outstanding media personalities for their invaluable contribution to the industry.
Dr Zadock Ekimwere, Journalism Lifetime Achievement Award
Dr Zadok Ekimwere shares remarks after receiving his Lifetime Achievement Award #DefendTheTruthUG #WorldPressFreedomDay pic.twitter.com/GL06273o14
— Debunk Media Initiative (@TheDebunkShow) May 6, 2025
Drake Sekeba, Journalism Lifetime Achievement Award
Makerere University students were awarded for their outstanding debate skills during the Inter-University debate where they emerged victorious.
Winners of the #WorldPressFreedomDay25 Debate spearheaded by @IMChallengeug @Makerere https://t.co/6nkrjElYWv pic.twitter.com/6daw3nIMav
— ACME Africa (@ACME_Africa) May 6, 2025
Training Workshops
Training workshops were organized by Collaboration on International ICT Policy for East and Southern Africa (CIPESA) and covered topics in;
- Online Security
- Misinformation and fact checking
- Physical security
Debunk Media Initiative Communications Manager, Tumwine Edward shared fact checking tips and best practices during the workshops.
@tumwineedward from @TheDebunkShow @IMChallengeug. Discussing Digital Security, Understanding Fact Checking Skills, A key Factor in Fact Checking, People need to know the Evidence your Providing to them. pic.twitter.com/OYji7Flr7x
— Serina Nagujja (@NagujjaSer6664) May 6, 2025
Watch the full World Press Freedom Day 2025 Commemoration in Uganda.
