Uganda's
government and ruling party officials are intimidating journalists in a bid to
stifle criticism ahead of tightly contested presidential and parliamentary
elections next month, a leading rights group says in a report released today.
"Journalists
have been suspended under government pressure, and radio stations threatened
for hosting opposition members as guests or when panelists expressed views
critical of the ruling party," US-based Human Rights Watch (HRW) said.
The
intimidation was having a "chilling effect" on the media, it added.
"How
can Uganda hold fair elections if the media and independent groups can't
criticise the ruling party or government leaders without fear?" HRW researcher
Maria Burnett said.
The
government has not yet commented on the report.
Uganda's
President Yoweri Museveni is facing one of the strongest challenges to his
30-year rule. Seven candidates are running against him, including his former
ally and Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi and three-time loser Kizza Besigye.
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