A journalist in Mukono District is nursing injuries after allegedly being assaulted by a government official while covering a heated council debate.
The incident, which occurred on Tuesday in Nakisunga Sub-county, saw Dr. Fred Ssimbwa, the district’s veterinary officer, reportedly slap and punch Eric Yiga, a journalist with Salt Media, for filming a scuffle between councilors.
Eyewitnesses told this website that Yiga was recording a dispute between two councilors when Dr. Ssimbwa suddenly intervened.
“Besides slapping him, he grabbed his shirt by the neck and demanded to know why he was filming the fight,” says Frankline Mugerwa, an eyewitness.
The altercation stemmed from a disagreement over the approval of the district budget.
The council session had been adjourned following a heated debate, but some councilors, led by Deputy Speaker Goreth Kyesubire, sought to push through the budget immediately.
Richard Kitumba opposed the move, sparking a physical confrontation.
Why Target the Press?
As Yiga recorded the brawl, Dr. Ssimbwa allegedly attacked him, accusing him of intruding on what he called an internal matter.
He was reportedly backed by Sub-county Vice Chairperson Yafeesi Kiyaga and Madina Nakayenga, who were overheard criticizing journalists, referencing past incidents of media brutality, particularly during the Kawempe North by-election.
During the fracas, witnesses claim Dr. Ssimbwa boasted about his notoriety in the district reportedly saying his violent character is something known by the public and there is nothing new.
“I am known for being stubborn, I steer violence against anyone, and I never apologise,” Ssimbwa reportedly says.
Legal Action
Nakisunga Speaker John Mpanga condemned the attack, stating that the journalist was merely doing his job and did not deserve any form of assault.
Yiga has since filed a case at Mukono Police Station, seeking legal redress.
The Uganda Journalists Network (UJN), an umbrella body representing journalists in Greater Mukono, has strongly denounced the attack and pledged to support Yiga in his pursuit of justice.
Authorities have yet to comment on whether Dr. Ssimbwa will face any disciplinary action.
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