Assault: Ugandan journalists protest, boycott all security agencies-related events

In a bold move condemning the escalating violence against media personnel, joint organizations advocating for journalists’ rights in Uganda have announced a nationwide boycott of all security agency-related activities, including the upcoming  Tarehe Sita celebrations.

This decision comes in response to the brutal attacks on journalists by security forces during the recent Kawempe North By-election, which has sparked outrage across the media fraternity and civil society.

*Incidents of Violence During the By-Election
During the heated Kawempe North By-election, several journalists, including those perceived as government sympathizers, were reportedly assaulted by members of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and the Police.

Among the victims were prominent media personalities such as Abubaker Lubowa, Denis Kagubo, Raymond Tamale, and Hasifa Nanvuma from the Nation Media Group (Daily Monitor, NTV, and Spark TV).

Additionally, Hakiima Wampamba and Francis Isano from Next Media were severely injured, leaving them unable to eat or walk as of yesterday.

Eyewitnesses and victims have described the attacks as unprovoked and excessive, with security personnel targeting journalists who were merely performing their duties.

The incidents have raised serious concerns about the safety of journalists and the erosion of press freedom in Uganda.

*Journalists’ Response: A Unified Boycott
In a joint statement, media advocacy groups, including the Uganda Journalists Union (UJU) and the Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda (HRNJ-U), condemned the attacks and announced a boycott of all events involving security agencies.

This includes the annual Tarehe Sita celebrations, which commemorate the founding of the UPDF.

The organizations emphasized that the boycott is a peaceful yet firm protest against the continued harassment and intimidation of journalists by security forces.

They called for accountability, demanding that the government investigate the incidents and bring the perpetrators to justice.

“The attacks on journalists during the Kawempe North By-election are not isolated incidents but part of a disturbing pattern of violence against the media.

“We cannot continue to operate in an environment where our colleagues are beaten, arrested, or silenced for doing their jobs,” read part of the statement.

*Calls for Accountability and Reform

Civil society organizations and international bodies have joined the chorus of condemnation, urging the Ugandan government to take immediate action to protect journalists and uphold press freedom.

Amnesty International and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) have issued statements calling for an independent investigation into the attacks.

“The Ugandan government must ensure that journalists can work without fear of violence or retribution.

The assault on media personnel is an assault on democracy itself,” said Sarah Jackson, Deputy Regional Director for Amnesty International in East Africa.

*Government and Security Agencies’ Response
As of now, the Ugandan government and security agencies have yet to issue an official statement addressing the allegations.

However, sources within the UPDF and Police have denied any systematic targeting of journalists, attributing the incidents to “chaos” during the by-election.

Critics, however, argue that such explanations are insufficient and fail to address the underlying issues of impunity and the misuse of security forces to suppress dissent.

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