KAMPALA, UGANDA – The New Vision newspaper has sparked outrage with its latest splash story, titled “Intelligence dossier on riots: Security busts plot to bring down government”, which claims to expose a mastermind plot to overthrow the government.
The article attempts to link the June 23 peaceful protest against corruption in Kampala to regional uprisings and opposition figure Kizza Besigye, alleging a grand conspiracy involving local and foreign forces.
However, critics have dismissed the story as a “shoddy hatchet job” that fails to provide concrete evidence to support its claims. The article suggests that Besigye’s travel to Kenya is proof of his involvement in orchestrating the protests, sparking widespread ridicule and outrage.
Furthermore, the story alleges that FDC youths arrested in Kenya were being trained to overthrow the NRM regime before 2026, without providing any substantiating evidence. The article also claims that social media influencers were paid to mobilize protesters, but fails to mention any concrete examples or sources.
Dr. Spire Ssentongo, a prominent critic, described the article as “lazy propaganda” that fails to meet the basic standards of credible journalism. “If this is New Vision’s way of trying to recover from the verge of collapse, then they better go tabloid straight away,” he wrote.
Godwin Toko, an anti-corruption crusader, echoed Ssentongo’s sentiments, stating that the article fails to meet the basic rules of effective propaganda. “Propaganda must be at least 50% correct in terms of evidence, facts, etc. then smuggle the propaganda. This doesn’t pass that test,” he said.
The controversy has sparked a heated debate about media ethics and the role of journalism in promoting transparency and accountability. As the Ugandan government faces growing criticism over its handling of corruption and human rights, the New Vision’s coverage has raised questions about the newspaper’s commitment to factual reporting and its relationship with the state.
