Veteran Ugandan journalist and political commentator Timothy Kalyegira is at the center of a fresh legal battle after appearing before the Kira Chief Magistrate's Court on charges of allegedly operating online media platforms without licences from the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC).
The 58-year-old, also known as Nyakahuma, denied two counts of broadcasting without a licence under Section 28 of the Uganda Communications Act. Prosecutors allege that between 2013 and 2026 he operated The Kampala Express, and between 2014 and 2026 he also ran The Uganda Records, both without the required UCC authorization.
Following his plea, the court remanded Kalyegira to Luzira Prison. He is expected to return to court on July 16 as investigations continue. If convicted, the offence carries penalties that may include a fine, imprisonment of up to one year, or both under the law.
The court appearance came after several days of uncertainty surrounding Kalyegira's whereabouts. During that period, he and supporters said he had been abducted and detained, prompting concern among journalists, colleagues and human rights advocates before he resurfaced in court.
The case has attracted widespread attention because Kalyegira has long been known for his outspoken political commentary, including criticism of President Yoweri Museveni and Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba. His prosecution also comes amid heightened tensions over media regulation following recent actions against several media outlets, developments that have sparked criticism from opposition figures and press freedom advocates, who argue they reflect growing pressure on independent journalism. Government authorities, meanwhile, maintain that broadcasters and media operators must comply with Uganda's licensing laws.
As the legal proceedings move forward, the case is expected to test how Uganda's communications laws apply to online publishers and whether digital news platforms fall within the country's broadcasting licensing framework, a question that has become increasingly significant as journalism continues to shift online.