Three French Journalists Expelled From Uganda During Election Period

Kampala — Ugandan authorities expelled three French journalists from the country in January amid heightened controls around coverage of the presidential election in which incumbent Yoweri Museveni secured a seventh consecutive term.

Among those affected was Bastien Renouil, an East Africa correspondent for France 24, who arrived in Uganda on January 17, the day election results were announced.

According to accounts provided to Reporters Without Borders (RSF), Renouil reported to immigration offices to regularise a work permit he had already obtained but was later instructed to leave the country.

He was informed that his accreditation did not meet requirements for election coverage and was asked to book a return flight or face detention.

Immigration officials later escorted him to the airport, and he departed Uganda on January 20 without carrying out any reporting.

Earlier in the month, two other French journalists working for Radio France Internationale (RFI) were also prevented from working in Uganda.

One was denied entry at the border, while the other was allowed into the country before being escorted to a return flight shortly afterwards.

Ugandan officials said the journalists held accreditation for general reporting that did not explicitly authorise coverage of the presidential election.

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The Media Council of Uganda, which oversees media accreditation, maintained that election reporting requires additional clearance beyond standard journalistic permits.

Administration

RSF said the journalists had complied with existing administrative procedures and disputed the explanation given by authorities, describing the measures as administrative restrictions on media activity.

The organisation raised concerns about consistency and clarity in accreditation requirements during the election period.

The expulsions occurred against the backdrop of broader security and information controls around the January 15 vote.

Authorities temporarily restricted internet access, limited coverage of unauthorised demonstrations, and enforced tighter oversight of domestic and foreign media operations.

Uganda’s government has not issued a detailed public statement on the individual cases, but officials have repeatedly said that all journalists, local and foreign, are required to comply fully with national laws and accreditation rules, particularly during sensitive electoral periods.