Uganda: Sexual Harassment Declines in Uganda's Newsrooms

What the report says

A new study presented to the Uganda Editors’ Guild says sexual harassment in Ugandan newsrooms has fallen over the past five years, but it still affects a substantial share of journalists. The research, conducted by Women in News with St. George’s University and BBC Media Action, was based on a survey of 205 journalists across Uganda, including 116 women and 89 men, and was reported from Kampala on 3 August 2026 by The Independent (Kampala) through AllAfrica.

According to the findings, the share of respondents reporting harassment dropped from nearly 53% in 2020 to 40% in 2025. Women were found to experience higher levels across most forms of abuse, including verbal harassment, physical harassment and online harassment. The report said many victims remain silent because they fear retaliation, job loss or damage to their careers.

Presenters urged media houses to strengthen complaint systems, use independent investigators and provide training for journalists, editors and owners. The discussion also touched on concerns about false accusations, with one media executive warning they can complicate workplace discipline, while the researcher responding said such cases appear limited and should not deter fair investigations.

The report’s publication fits into wider concerns about newsroom conditions and press freedom in Uganda. Earlier studies and media groups have also described harassment as a factor pushing women out of journalism or away from leadership roles, though comprehensive official data remains limited.