Uganda arrests Danish wildlife journalist Klaus Thymann amid press freedom concerns

Uganda arrests Danish wildlife journalist Klaus Thymann amid press freedom concerns

Uganda arrests Danish wildlife journalist Klaus Thymann amid press freedom concerns

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The Danish wildlife journalist was arrested while seeking work permits in Kampala, with authorities yet to disclose the alleged offences as concerns grow over increasing pressure on Uganda’s media

Ugandan authorities have reportedly arrested Danish wildlife journalist and investigative reporter Klaus Thymann over alleged wildlife-related offences, although officials have not disclosed the specific charges.
Thymann was arrested on Monday at the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) headquarters in Kampala, where he had gone to obtain work permits. He is being held at Kira Road Police Station and is expected to be transferred to Kasese District in western Uganda, where the alleged offences are said to have occurred.
“Yes, we arrested him,” UWA spokesperson Bashir Hangi told The Monitor.

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Authorities have not explained the reason for Thymann’s arrest, but reports suggest it may be linked to his environmental work in protected areas.
Thymann is widely known for documenting the Rwenzori Mountains, where he has extensively researched the shrinking glaciers caused by climate change.
In 2012, he conducted field surveys in the region with conservation teams, documenting early signs of glacier retreat.

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His updated findings, released in 2025, showed further ice loss and drew criticism from Kampala, which argued that the changes were due to natural causes rather than climate change.
The reported arrest comes amid growing concerns over increasing pressure on journalists in Uganda, where media workers and outlets have faced heightened government scrutiny and restrictions.
On Sunday, a military raid on the Nation Media Group Uganda premises in Namuwongo disrupted newspaper printing, television broadcasts and radio operations. Television and radio stations, including NTV Uganda, Spark TV, KFM and Dembe FM, were taken off air during the overnight operation.
The move drew criticism from media and human rights groups, which warned it threatened press freedom. Officials later said discussions were underway that could lead to the resumption of operations at the affected outlets.
“We have agreed that we shall reopen both Daily Monitor and NTV soon. However, we shall first have discussions with the management of both sister companies. I will inform them when we can have this meeting,” Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) Central Executive Committee member Andrew Mwenda said on X.
Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who ordered the closures, later said consultations had also been extended to international partners before a final decision would be made.
“As comrade @AndrewMwenda said, we are having discussions with our allies in the UK and Europe about re-opening both NTV and Daily Monitor. We shall take the results of these discussions to Mzee for final approval,” Muhoozi wrote.

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