The East African Press Councils, EAPC, has called for urgent de-escalation of rising tensions between governments and media organizations in the region, warning that public intimidation, profiling of journalists and closure of media houses threaten press freedom and access to information.
In a statement, EAPC chairperson David Omwoyo said the growing hostility between state officials and media institutions was creating fear among journalists and encouraging self-censorship in newsrooms.
He said such actions violate constitutional protections, regional commitments and international human rights obligations that guarantee freedom of expression and the public’s right to information.
“The heightened public intimidation and profiling of the media and journalists by those wielding state power is creating fear among journalists while promoting self-censorship,” Omwoyo said.
He urged governments, public officials and media organizations to exercise restraint and resolve disputes through established dialogue and complaints mechanisms.
The statement comes amid concern over the shutdown of Nation Media Group outlets in Uganda, including Daily Monitor, NTV Uganda, Spark TV and KFM. EAPC said the order was in the public domain and that the affected premises were currently under military control.
The council said continued attacks on press freedom, including intimidation, assaults on journalists and forced closure of media enterprises, undermine gains made in building free, responsible and accountable media in the region.
“Such actions should not occur in countries that have committed to upholding the rule of law,” Omwoyo said.
EAPC also cited Kenya, where it said there has been an ongoing public exchange between president William Ruto and the Standard Group, including claims of the alleged abduction of an editor linked to the media house.
The council noted that both the Nation Media Group and Standard Group had defended themselves publicly using strong language, adding that the matter appeared to involve political differences between state officials and media investors.
Omwoyo said the media plays a critical watchdog role and has a duty to report on matters of public interest, even when such reporting is uncomfortable or inconvenient to those in power.
He said public officials who feel aggrieved by media coverage should use legally established complaint procedures instead of actions that endanger journalists or weaken public trust in institutions.
“The media represents a significant economic investment across the region, where journalists operate under professional ethics and relevant laws,” he said.
At the same time, EAPC urged media practitioners to exercise responsibility in their public watchdog role, noting that freedom of expression also comes with justifiable limitations under national constitutions.
“We call for respect and upholding of media freedom and protection from any form of harassment and intimidation,” Omwoyo said.
Separately, the Federation of Eastern Africa Journalists condemned the shutdown of media outlets in Uganda, describing the move as a brazen attack on press freedom.
In a statement issued in Nairobi on June 28, 2026, FEAJ president Erick Oduor accused the Ugandan government of using state power to silence critical media voices.
He said the shutdown of NTV Uganda, Daily Monitor and Spark TV was unjustified and called on Ugandan authorities to follow the law if they believe any media outlet had violated regulations.
“Terrorizing the media is no solution to challenges the country is facing,” Oduor said.
FEAJ expressed solidarity with journalists in Uganda and urged them not to be intimidated by state reprisals.
The federation said journalists have a responsibility to hold governments accountable and inform citizens on issues affecting governance, public interest and human rights.
EAPC brings together media regulatory agencies from Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Somalia and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Its mandate includes promoting free, independent, professional and accountable media across the East African Community.
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