Steven Kibwiika, a cameraman with Spark TV, has been hospitalized after being assaulted by armed men believed to be security operatives.
The attack took place in Nammere, Kawempe Division, where a group of individuals was suspected of pre-ticking ballot papers ahead of tomorrow’s Kawempe North by-election.
Eyewitnesses reported that Kibwiika was covering an incident at a residential area when he was confronted by armed men allegedly guarding the premises.
The men reportedly prevented him from filming, confiscated his equipment, and inflicted serious injuries before leaving him at the scene.
Kibwiika was found by Leader of Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi’s security detail and evacuated to hospital.
At the chaotic scene, he is filmed crawling on the ground in distress and moments after he is helped to his feet, the limbs buckle as he appears to fail to support himself.
Kibwiika was rushed to a nearby medical facility, where he is currently receiving treatment. His condition remains unclear.
Media colleagues and rights activists have condemned the attack, calling it a direct violation of press freedom.
“We strongly condemn this assault on our journalist. The media plays a crucial role in ensuring transparency during elections, and such attacks are unacceptable,” said Abubaker Lubowa from Nation Media Group Uganda, the franchise that also owns Spark TV.
The incident comes amid rising political tensions and allegations of electoral malpractice.
Authorities have yet to issue an official statement regarding either the attack or the alleged illegal electoral activities at the residence in question.
Journalist associations and human rights organizations have called for swift investigations, urging authorities to hold the perpetrators accountable and ensure the safety of journalists covering the election.
The attack on Kibwiika follows another assault on Ibrahim Miracle of Top TV, who was beaten by security operatives attached to the Joint Anti-Terrorism unit last week.
Miracle, who nearly lost an eye in the attack, is still undergoing treatment.
With the by-election set for tomorrow, the repeated attacks on journalists have heightened concerns over media freedom and the credibility of the electoral process.
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