Timothy Kalyegira Remanded after Being Charged with Broadcasting without UCC Licence

KIRA, Uganda — Veteran Ugandan journalist and political commentator Timothy Kalyegira has been formally charged with two counts of broadcasting without a licence, according to a charge sheet filed by Uganda Police and presented before the Kira Chief Magistrate’s Court on Monday.

The charge sheet, dated June 29, 2026, alleges that Kalyegira operated two online media platforms for several years without obtaining the requisite broadcasting licence from the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), contrary to the Uganda Communications Act, Cap. 103.

Court documents identify the accused as “KALYEGIRA TIMOTHY alias NYAKAHUMA,” a 58-year-old journalist from Kira Municipality in Wakiso District. The case was registered at Kira Division Police Station under CRB 475/2026.

The first count charges Kalyegira with: “Broadcasting without a license contrary to section 28(1) and (2) of the Uganda Communications Act, Cap 103.”

According to the particulars of the offence contained in the charge sheet: “KALYEGIRA TIMOTHY alias NYAKAHUMA, between 2013 and 2026, at various areas in Uganda including Kampala and Wakiso Districts or thereabout, did broadcast via The Kampala Express, a video Production and media consulting platform, without a license issued by the Uganda Communications Commission.”

A second count mirrors the allegation, this time relating to another online publication associated with the veteran journalist.

The charge sheet states: “KALYEGIRA TIMOTHY alias NYAKAHUMA, between 2014 and 2026, at various areas in Uganda including Kampala and Wakiso Districts or thereabout, did broadcast via The Uganda Records, an online publication platform, without a license issued by the Uganda Communications Commission.”

The charge sheet does not indicate Kalyegira’s plea. It also does not specify whether he was released on bail or remanded after appearing before court.

Long-running legal battles

The latest prosecution is the newest episode in a long and often contentious relationship between Kalyegira and the Ugandan state.

One of Uganda’s best-known journalists and political commentators, Kalyegira has worked with several leading media houses and later established independent online platforms, including Uganda Record and The Kampala Express, where he has published political commentary, investigative articles and current affairs analysis.

His legal troubles stretch back more than a decade. In 2011, he was arrested and remanded following the publication of articles questioning the official account of the July 2010 Kampala bombings. Authorities pursued criminal libel proceedings against him, a case that drew criticism from press freedom organisations and media rights advocates, who argued it reflected growing pressure on independent journalism.

Over the years, Kalyegira has remained an outspoken commentator on governance, politics and security matters, frequently publishing opinions that have attracted both a loyal readership and heightened scrutiny from state authorities.

The fresh charges also come at a time when Uganda’s media environment remains under close scrutiny following a series of disputes between regulators, security agencies and media organisations over licensing, broadcasting rights and press freedom.

The Uganda Communications Commission has previously maintained that all broadcasters operating within Uganda must comply with licensing requirements under the law, while journalists and media rights advocates have argued that regulation should not be used to restrict independent reporting or freedom of expression.

The outcome of Kalyegira’s latest case is likely to be closely watched by journalists, lawyers and civil society organisations as debates continue over media regulation and constitutional protections for press freedom in Uganda.

Timothy Kalyegira has been remanded to prison until July 16, 2026.

In recent days, the list of prominent Ugandans abducted, including on Muhoozi’s orders, has been growing.

Miria Matembe was arrested yesterday after a raid at her home days earlier, as reported Here and There.

Meanwhile, Salim Saleh has written to Muhoozi regarding the abductions and the Lukwago issue. (See Details HERE).