Civil society activists and local leaders in Bushenyi District have decried rampant cases of torture against journalists in the country, especially during and after general elections. 

This was revealed during the Bushenyi District engagement meeting of local council leaders, religious leaders and security members held at Crane Resort Hotel Ishaka on May 21st, 2024. The meeting that was organised by Ankole Western Civil Society Forum (Wacsof) was aimed at strengthening citizen's participation in elections.

Western Ankole Civil Society Forum Chief Executive Officer, Apollo Kakonge Lee said during the 2021 elections, media Houses and social media platforms were shut down and security officials were seen beating journalists doing their duties, the acts he said violate rights.

During the engagement meeting, leaders also raised issues of voter bribery in the elections, which they say has led to election of competent leaders. As a solution, they asked government to empower people in the communities economically so that they don't vote people basing on money given to them.