Freedom House

The decision by Uganda’s police force to reopen cases of violence committed against journalists in 2011, including two unsolved murders, is a positive step for a country that has suffered serious setbacks in freedom of expression amid increasing attacks on journalists, violent crackdowns on peaceful protest and journalists who cover them, and ongoing attempts to circumscribe press freedom through legal and regulatory means.

Issues:

Freedom of Expression, Media Freedom

Regions:

Sub-Saharan Africa

Freedom Alert

Uganda Bans Group Behind “Walk to Work” Protests

Apr 5 2012 - 12:52pm

Freedom House calls on the Ugandan government to immediately reverse its decision to ban opposition group Action For Change on the eve of a planned demonstration, a move which is in direct violation of the universal right to free assembly. Action for Change was responsible for organizing the “Walk to Work” campaign and protests, rallying thousands of citizens to protest rising fuel and food prices. On April 4, Uganda’s Attorney General authorized the decision to declare the group as “illegal” after the government accused the group of organizing violent protests “without consulting police.”

Issues:

Civil Society, Freedom of Expression

Regions:

Sub-Saharan Africa

Freedom Alert

Ugandan Legislator Reintroduces Anti-Gay Bill

Feb 9 2012 - 3:16pm

Freedom House is alarmed by the Ugandan parliament’s decision to reintroduce anti-gay legislation, and welcomes the Ugandan government’s move not to support the parliament’s decision. Rather than contributing to the persecution of sexual minorities in the country, parliament must make every effort to ensure the safety of all lesbians, gays, bisexual, and transgender persons (LGBT).

Issues:

Civil Society, Freedom of Association, Freedom of Expression, Human Rights Defense, LGBTI Rights

Regions:

Sub-Saharan Africa

Experts

Karin Deutsch Karlekar

Project Director of "Freedom of the Press"

Issues:

Media Freedom

Regions:

Asia-Pacific, Sub-Saharan Africa

Robert Herman

Vice President for Regional Programs

Issues:

Civil Society, Democratic Governance, Freedom of Association, U.S. Foreign Policy

Regions:

Sub-Saharan Africa

Signature Reports

Freedom in the World

Freedom on the Net

Freedom of the Press

Countries at the Crossroads

Special Reports

Freedom in Sub-Saharan Africa 2007

Freedom House released an analysis of democracy in sub-Saharan Africa showing that the region has experienced notable increases in freedom over the past generation, although more setbacks than gains were seen in 2006.

Issues:

Democratic Governance

Regions:

Sub-Saharan Africa

Programs

Advocating for Free Expression in Uganda

In September 2010, Freedom House led a four-day International Joint Partnership Freedom of Expression mission to Uganda to examine the country’s freedom of expression environment in light of a prop

Issues:

Freedom of Expression

Regions:

Sub-Saharan Africa

Kenya and Uganda

Freedom House is working to empower civil society to advance domestic justice and put an end to impunity, while also strengthening intra- and inter-regional networks of advocates working to advance this issue.

Issues:

Human Rights Defense, Rule of Law

Regions:

Sub-Saharan Africa