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Parliament has also directed Prime Minister Ruhakana Rugunda to give a statement on the continued attacks on journalists by security officers in the country.

Ochola, early this year told a joint security press briefing that the police would continue beating journalists for their own safety. At the time, several journalists had sustained injuries from the campaign trail where they were hit with batons, rubber bullets and teargas canisters, in what appeared to be a direct attack against media practitioners.

The Executive Director of Human Rights Network for Journalists (HRNJ), Robert Sempala said that Ochola’s statement led to an increase in cases against journalists. Sempala told Members of Parliament on the Human Rights Committee that they registered 174 cases of human rights violations against journalists during the electoral process.

Journalist bodies have condemned the continued the attack on journalists by the military meted on them as they do their work.

Ronald Bwire of Mayende and Associated Advocates and Henry Byansi have today filed a suit before the High Court Civil division seeking court to quash UCC directive to media houses to suspend some of its staff.

Elly Rwakoma, a photo Journalist during the President Idi Amin Dadas regime in the 1970s says it is so appalling that journalists do not go to the ground to get information, but most from their desks with limited verification.

Dr George Lugalambi, a media Expert and former Mass communications lecturer at Makerere University says press freedom is not getting any better. He says the motivation for people in Government towards gagging the media have not changed over time.

The spotlight is on Uganda Communications which has of recent been accused of issuing directives to constrict the space for independent media.

A row has emerged between Parliament and journalists accredited to cover the House over convening press conferences for Members of Parliament. Parliaments Department of Communications and Public Affairs CPA issued a warning today against journalists convening press conferences for Members of Parliament, saying they are overstepping their boundaries.

The Commissions Acting Chairperson, Stephen Araali Basaliza said the arrests were not only a threat to media freedom but a violation of the individuals rights.

United States Ambassador to Uganda Deborah Malac said she admires the bravery of Ugandan journalists who continue to work under deteriorating environment adding that the US government will continue to advocate for a free media as a cornerstone for strong democratic governance.

UN Human Rights Expert David Kaye says that too many leaders see journalism as the enemy, reporters as rogue actors, those who tweet as terrorists, and bloggers as blasphemers.

Ambassador Malac observes that while critical reporting may be irritating, it does not justify physical attacks, threats or harassment against journalists. This was in her statement delivered at the closure of a National Conference on the World Press Freedom Day in Kampala, Wednesday.

Late last month, a student of Gulu Army Secondary School was attacked by suspected iron bar hit men at Bomah a few meters away from the office of Gulu Resident District Commissioner.

In a phone interview with the Rules committee Vice Chairperson Abbas Agaba, he said that while the editors are hiding under the law, his committee is equally acting under the law.

Asaph Bindire was picked up on Wednesday evening at Nyakihanga in Itojo Sub County along the Ntungamo-Mbarara road moments after he reportedly photographed a traffic police officer receiving a bribe from a taxi driver.

Justice Ogoola also cited attempts to frustrate the first presidential debate held on 15th January through load shading.

Robert Ssempala, the National Coordinator of Human Rights Network for Journalist, says although the affected journalists filed complaints against their attackers, nothing has been done to bring the suspects to book.

Through its lawyer, Isaac Ssemakadde, UPPA argues that the decision by Chris Obore, the Director of Communications and Public Affairs at Parliament to withdraw office space from journalists could result into unnecessary and avoidable conflict.

The withdrawal was announced in a letter from Chris Obore, the Director of Communications and Public Affairs to the Sergeant-at-Arms Ahmed Kagoye. The letter dated January 18th, 2016, directs the Sergeant-at-Arms to close the offices of the Uganda Parliamentary Press Association UPPA with immediate effect.