news 29 June 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Veteran Journalist Timothy Kalyegira Charged with Operating Illegal Online Platforms
Veteran journalist Timothy Kalyegira has denied charges of broadcasting without a license, related to his online platforms "The Kampala Express" and "The Uganda Records." He appeared before Kira Chief Magistrate’s Court on Monday. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/veteran-journalist-kalyegira-remanded-over-operating-illegal-online-platforms-5513232
Veteran journalist Timothy Kalyegira, also known as Nyakahuma, has been charged with operating media platforms without the necessary broadcasting licenses.
Appearing before the Kira Chief Magistrate’s Court, the 58-year-old journalist denied two charges brought against him by the Directorate of Public Prosecutions.
The prosecution alleges that Kalyegira operated “The Kampala Express,” described as a video production and media consulting platform, without a license from the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) between 2013 and 2026. A second charge pertains to the operation of “The Uganda Records,” an online publication, also reportedly conducted without UCC authorization during a similar period.
These charges fall under Section 28 of the Uganda Communications Act, which mandates that broadcasting services require a license from the UCC. The prosecution did not immediately reveal the evidence they intend to use to support these allegations.
This case comes amidst heightened regulatory attention towards online media and digital broadcasters in Uganda, with authorities emphasizing the mandatory licensing requirements for entities engaged in broadcasting activities.
Kalyegira is a well-known figure in journalism and commentary, having contributed to various media outlets and currently publishing content online. The legal proceedings have drawn attention from within media circles and among free-expression advocates regarding the potential impact on online publishers and independent digital media in the country.