A European Union-funded study on investigative journalism in Uzbekistan, presented at a roundtable hosted by the Anti-Corruption Agency on 10 June 2026, finds that access to information, legal protection, and professional capacity remain major obstacles for journalists combating corruption. The research, conducted jointly with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), surveyed 152 journalists and media professionals across all regions of Uzbekistan through online surveys, focus groups, and in-depth interviews.
Nearly half of respondents reported difficulties obtaining information from public institutions on issues of public interest, while more than one-third identified refusals to provide information in response to official requests as a major obstacle. Delays, incomplete responses, and difficulties accessing sensitive topics were also flagged. Around 70 percent of respondents believe existing mechanisms do not provide sufficient protection for journalists engaged in investigative reporting. Sixty-nine percent indicated a need to strengthen their legal knowledge, with fact-checking, source verification, and digital investigative tools cited as priority skills.
The study recommends strengthening the legal framework for investigative journalism, improving protection for journalists and whistleblowers, expanding access to information of public interest, developing professional training programmes, supporting media self-regulation, and enhancing the financial sustainability of media organizations. The roundtable brought together representatives of government institutions, media, civil society, academia, and international organizations to discuss implementation steps.
The research was conducted under the joint project of the Anti-Corruption Agency and UNDP, funded by the European Union, titled “Strengthening the National Anti-Corruption Ecosystem in Uzbekistan.” The EU Delegation to Uzbekistan, which issued the press release on 12 June 2026, noted that the contents reflect only the authors’ views and not the official position of the Government of Uzbekistan, UNDP, or the EU.
Impact on stakeholders
The findings highlight a moderate impact on several stakeholders. For investigative journalists and media organizations in Uzbekistan, the study’s recommendations could lead to improved legal protections and access to information, but implementation remains uncertain. The Anti-Corruption Agency and other government institutions face pressure to reform information disclosure practices and legal frameworks, which may require administrative changes. The EU and UNDP, as funders, gain evidence to shape future anti-corruption programming. Civil society and academia benefit from a clearer diagnosis of challenges, but the lack of binding commitments means tangible change depends on political will.