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The East African Press Councils (EAPC) has appealed for calm and dialogue amid growing tensions between governments and media organizations across the region, warning that escalating hostility threatens press freedom and the safety of journalists.
In a statement released on Sunday, EAPC expressed concern over what it described as increasing intimidation, profiling, and public attacks against journalists and media houses by state authorities, saying such actions are creating fear within the profession and encouraging self-censorship.
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EAPC Chairperson David Omwoyo said the trend undermines constitutional guarantees, regional commitments, and international human rights obligations, including the public’s right to access information, while exposing journalists to greater risks.
The regional media body urged all parties to resolve disputes through dialogue rather than confrontation, warning that continued attacks on press freedom, harassment of journalists, and forced closure of media organizations could reverse progress made in promoting a free, responsible, and accountable press.
The East African Press Councils brings together media regulatory bodies from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Somalia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo with the goal of promoting harmonized media regulation across the East African Community.
According to EAPC, the media plays a vital economic and democratic role in the region, with journalists expected to report on issues of public interest in line with professional ethics and existing laws, even when such reporting may be uncomfortable for those in positions of power.
Omwoyo urged public officials who feel aggrieved by media coverage to use established complaint mechanisms instead of actions that could endanger journalists or undermine media freedom.
The statement came on the same day Uganda shut down several Nation Media Group outlets, including NTV Uganda, Daily Monitor, Spark TV, and KFM, following an order reportedly issued by Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
READ ALSO: Military Shuts Down Major Ugandan Media Houses
The regional body also referenced the ongoing public dispute in Kenya involving President William Ruto and the Standard Group, as well as reports surrounding the alleged abduction of the media house’s associate editor, Alex Kiprotich.
Omwoyo noted that both Nation Media Group and Standard Group have publicly defended themselves amid the growing tensions, describing the exchanges as part of broader political disagreements involving senior government leaders and media owners.
He emphasized that the media remains one of Kenya’s most trusted institutions and has a responsibility to report accurately and professionally on matters affecting the public.
EAPC further noted that while constitutions across the region protect freedom of expression, they also recognize that the right comes with responsibilities and lawful limitations.
At the same time, the organization stressed that constitutions equally guarantee the right to access information, particularly on matters of national importance, enabling the media to fulfill its role of informing the public.
The council concluded by calling for full respect for media freedom, an end to intimidation and harassment of journalists, and responsible reporting by the media in carrying out its public watchdog role.
