Written By | Peter Luzinda
Kalyegira appeared in court and denied the charges
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KAMPALA
Veteran Ugandan journalist and political analyst Timothy Kalyegira has been remanded to Luzira Prison after appearing before the Kira Chief Magistrate's Court on charges related to the alleged illegal operation of online media platforms.
State prosecutors accuse Kalyegira of operating digital broadcasting and publishing platforms without obtaining the required licence from the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), contrary to the Uganda Communications Act.
According to the prosecution, the charges relate to two online platforms—The Kampala Express and The Uganda Records—which authorities allege operated for several years while publishing and broadcasting political and current affairs content without the requisite authorisation.
Investigators allege that the platforms operated between 2013 and 2026 in Kampala and Wakiso districts. The case was registered under Criminal Reference Book (CRB) 475/2026 at Kira Division Police.
Kalyegira appeared in court and denied the charges. The court subsequently remanded him to Luzira Prison until July 16, 2026, when the case will return for mention and further proceedings.
Although the prosecution formally presented the charges, it did not immediately disclose the evidence it intends to rely on, stating that investigations are still ongoing.
The arrest and prosecution of the veteran journalist have sparked debate within media and political circles, particularly over the regulation of independent online publishers and the increasing scrutiny of digital political commentary in Uganda.
Following news of his remand, supporters and critics alike reacted on social media, with some opposition figures, including members of the National Unity Platform (NUP), questioning the circumstances surrounding his arrest and detention before his court appearance.
Kalyegira remains one of Uganda's best-known political commentators, having built a reputation over many years through newspaper columns, radio appearances, and independent online journalism.
