The Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa, has expressed shock after learning that journalists from NTV Uganda and other Nation Media Group reporters accredited to cover Parliament were on Tuesday morning (October 28, 2025) denied access to the House.
The matter was raised on the floor of Parliament by the Acting Leader of Opposition, Muwanga Kivumbi, who tasked the Deputy Speaker to explain why the journalists were blocked and their accreditation reportedly withdrawn.
“I understand this morning, one of the most credible media houses, NTV, which is accredited to cover this Parliament, was stopped from accessing the House and their accreditation was literally cancelled,” Kivumbi said.
He added that the move appeared to stem from discomfort over the station’s previous coverage of parliamentary activities, warning that such actions undermine press freedom.
“As we go towards elections, tolerance and press freedom are critical. Hearing alternative views, no matter how uncomfortable we may be with them, is a right that must be protected,” Kivumbi emphasized.
Raising the matter as a national concern, he urged the Deputy Speaker to intervene, saying Parliament should remain accessible to the media as a “people’s House.”
In response, Tayebwa said he was unaware of the development and promised to follow up with the Clerk to Parliament.
“Thank you, Hon. Kivumbi. I will cross-check with the Clerk, but all I know is that we have a process of accreditation. The Speaker and Deputy Speaker don’t participate in that process. I will interest myself in the guidelines and confirm whether this is true because it is news to me,” Tayebwa stated.
