Minister Kabbyanga Tells Journalists 'I Can Put You In' at World Press Freedom Day Event

Remarks by ICT State Minister Godfrey Kabbyanga at World Press Freedom Day celebrations in Kampala have stirred concern after he warned journalists against “arrogance” and suggested he has the power to detain them, appearing to contradict his own defence of media freedom.

The State Minister for ICT and National Guidance, Godfrey Kabbyanga, sparked unease among journalists after warning, “I can put you in,” during remarks at an event to commemorate World Press Freedom Day in Kampala.

Addressing journalists, media developers, and practitioners, Kabbyanga began by challenging the notion that press freedom in Uganda is a fallacy, pointing to the growth of media outlets as evidence of progress.

“Before 1986, we only had Radio Uganda and UTV, but now we have many radio stations and TVs. We even have numerous applications for licenses pending, and we are going to approve them,” he said.

However, the minister later turned his criticism toward journalists, accusing some of them of arrogance in their interactions with public officials.

“Some of you call us and say, ‘come and I roast you.’ Remember you are talking to a whole minister—that you want to roast me,” he complained.

He added that despite such encounters, he continues to honour media invitations.

“Though some of my fellow government officials do not show up, I always come. Interestingly, after ‘roasting me,’ you walk home and no one touches you,” he said.

Kabbyanga’s remarks took a more contentious turn when he suggested he had the ability to detain journalists, drawing murmurs from the audience.

“You always talk about going to school for four years. Even though I went to school for three years, it does not make you any different from me,” he added.

He contextualised his comments by recounting a case in which a journalist faced disciplinary action after allegedly violating broadcasting standards and showing no remorse.

The minister also raised concern over the growing misuse of artificial intelligence, warning that it is increasingly being used to generate fake news.

He cautioned journalists to verify content before publication, noting that deepfakes can be difficult to distinguish from authentic material.

The event, held at the Uganda Broadcasting Corporation grounds, was organised by the Uganda Media Sector Working Group in conjunction with the Media Council of Uganda and the Uganda Human Rights Commission.

It was preceded by a commemorative walk through the streets of Kampala by participating journalists.