NAIROBI, Kenya — The East African Press Councils (EAPC) has called for an immediate de-escalation of tensions between governments and media organisations across the region, warning that increasing hostility towards journalists threatens press freedom, public access to information and democratic accountability.
In a statement issued on Sunday, EAPC expressed concern over what it described as growing incidents of public intimidation, profiling and harassment of journalists and media houses by individuals wielding state power.
The regional media body warned that such actions are creating an atmosphere of fear among journalists and encouraging self-censorship in newsrooms.
“This violates constitutional, regional and global human rights obligations, including denial of the right to access information and endangering the lives of journalists,” EAPC Chairperson David Omwoyo said.
Call for restraint and dialogue
The council urged governments, public officials, media organisations and journalists to exercise restraint and resolve disputes through established legal and regulatory mechanisms rather than confrontation.
“Continued attacks on press freedom—including assaults on journalists, intimidation of media practitioners and forced closures of media enterprises—erode the gains made in nurturing a free, responsible and accountable media,” Omwoyo said.
“Such actions should not occur in countries that have committed to upholding the rule of law.”
EAPC brings together media regulatory institutions from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Somalia and the Democratic Republic of Congo and works to promote harmonised media standards and professional journalism within the East African Community.
Media’s watchdog role
The regional body noted that media organisations represent significant economic investments and play a critical role in informing citizens and holding leaders accountable.
According to EAPC, journalists have a professional obligation to report on issues of public interest, even when such reporting may be uncomfortable for those in positions of authority.
“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,” Omwoyo said.
The council urged public officials who feel aggrieved by media coverage to utilise established complaints and dispute-resolution mechanisms rather than resorting to actions that may threaten journalists or media institutions.
Concerns over Uganda media shutdown
The statement comes amid growing regional concern over developments in Uganda, where security agencies on Sunday disrupted operations at Nation Media Group Uganda outlets, including Daily Monitor, NTV Uganda, Spark TV, and KFM.
The media houses were forced off air following an overnight security operation, with the premises reportedly placed under military control.
Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, publicly confirmed ordering the shutdown and defended the action through a series of social media posts.
The developments have sparked widespread criticism from media rights advocates and civil society organisations, who have questioned the legality of the operation and its implications for press freedom.
Kenya media tensions cited
EAPC also referenced ongoing tensions in Kenya involving President William Ruto and the Standard Group, describing the dispute as part of a broader pattern of escalating friction between political leaders and media institutions.
The council further noted reports surrounding the alleged abduction of Standard Group Associate Editor Alex Kiprotich, which has generated concern among journalists and press freedom advocates.
“Both NMG and SG have defended themselves against the attacks using harsh words and strong positions. The exchanges are in the public domain, in what appears to be a political difference between the Head of State and one of the investors in the media group,” Omwoyo said.
He emphasised that the media remains one of the most trusted institutions in Kenya and continues to play a critical role in informing the public on matters of national importance.
Rights come with responsibility
While defending press freedom, EAPC also reminded journalists and media houses of their responsibility to uphold professional standards and ethical journalism.
The council noted that constitutional protections for freedom of expression and media freedom are accompanied by obligations to report accurately, fairly and responsibly.
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“The right to freedom of expression comes with justifiable limitations,” Omwoyo said.
He added that constitutional guarantees of access to information are essential in enabling the media to perform its public service role effectively.
Regional warning
The council warned that continued confrontations between governments and media organisations risk undermining democratic governance and weakening citizens’ access to independent information.
EAPC concluded by calling on governments to protect journalists from harassment and intimidation while urging media practitioners to exercise professionalism and responsibility in carrying out their watchdog role.
“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,” Omwoyo said.
