The Independent (Uganda)

The news magazine covers general and business news. It also has dedicated sections for news analysis, Eastern African regional news and a features section. It comes out in glossy print, but it is also available on the Internet. It is published in English only.

Published every Friday, The Independent offers a comprehensive review of the week's events, with a strong focus on political commentary, economic analysis, social issues, and business news. Unlike daily newspapers, it aims to provide a more reflective and analytical perspective, delving deeper into the underlying causes and implications of news stories. Its target audience includes policymakers, business leaders, academics, and the general public interested in a more nuanced understanding of Uganda and the East African region.{{cite web |last=African Centre for Media Excellence |date=2018-05-22 |title=The rise and influence of Andrew Mwenda and The Independent |url=https://acme-ug.org/2018/05/22/the-rise-and-influence-of-andrew-mwenda-and-the-independent/ |access-date=20 June 2024 |website=African Centre for Media Excellence |publisher=African Centre for Media Excellence}}

It has won awards, including a 2015 African Media Initiative award for investigative journalism. Its online platform has expanded its reach to the Ugandan diaspora, particularly in Europe and North America. The Independent remains a vital source for informed analysis in a media landscape often polarized by political affiliations.{{cite web |title=African Media Awards 2015 |url=https://www.africanmedia.org/2015-winners |accessdate=23 June 2025 |website=African Media Centre |publisher=African Media Centre}}

The paper was founded in April 2007, by Andrew Mwenda, who sought to create a platform free from corporate and government influence. Mwenda, a former Daily Monitor journalist, aimed to fill a gap in Uganda’s media by offering in-depth analysis and bold reporting.{{cite web |title=Andrew Mwenda and The Independent’s Rise |url=https://www.africanjournalism.org/mwenda-profile |accessdate=23 June 2025}} The magazine quickly gained attention for its exposés on government mismanagement and human rights issues. In 2010, it expanded to an online edition, increasing its reach.{{cite web |last=The Independent (Uganda) |date=2024 |title=About Us |url=https://www.independent.co.ug/about-us/ |access-date=20 June 2024 |website=The Independent (Uganda) |publisher=The Independent (Uganda)}}

The magazine features investigative reports, political commentary, and features on culture, business, and sports. Its online platform offers daily news updates, opinion pieces, and multimedia content. Notable stories include exposés on public sector corruption and coverage of opposition movements. The publication has also reported on regional issues, such as conflicts in the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan. Its editorial tone is critical but balanced, aiming to foster public debate.

The Independent has faced significant challenges, including government pressure and financial constraints. In 2008, Mwenda was briefly detained over a story critical of the government, sparking protests from media groups. The publication has also struggled with advertising revenue, relying on subscriptions and donor support. Despite these hurdles, it maintains editorial independence, avoiding sensationalism common in some Ugandan tabloids.{{Cite web |last=Uganda |first=The Independent |date=2008-09-10 |title=How Andrew Mwenda was arrested |url=https://www.independent.co.ug/andrew-mwenda-arrested/ |access-date=24 June 2025 |website=The Independent Uganda |publisher=The Independent Uganda |language=en-US}}

• List of newspapers in Uganda
• Media in Uganda
• Andrew Mwenda
• Achola Rosario

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• [http://www.independent.co.ug/ Official website]

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Category:Newspapers published in Uganda

Category:Mass media in Kampala

Category:Newspapers established in 2007

Category:Magazines established in 2007

Category:2007 establishments in Uganda