Security forces have assaulted several journalists covering the Kawempe by-election, adding to a disturbing pattern of violence against the media since the election began.
The latest attack occurred at Kazo Angola polling station, where reporters from NMG and Next Media were targeted while documenting the arrests of individuals accused of disrupting the voting process.
During the assault, one reporter’s camera was damaged. This incident is part of a troubling trend of violence against journalists that began on nomination day.
The first attack was recorded when Miracle Ibanda, a reporter with Top TV, was beaten by security personnel. Since then, other journalists, including Stephen Kibwiha from NMG, have faced similar assaults.
Reports have also emerged of journalists being forced to delete footage, raising serious concerns about press freedom and the safety of media workers.
Robert Ssempala, National Coordinator for Human Rights Network for Journalists (HRNJ) Uganda, condemned the continued attacks, warning that they are no longer isolated incidents but a systematic effort to suppress media coverage. He also noted that, in some cases, police have attempted to cover up these assaults.
“As security forces continue to suppress media coverage, there are growing fears that the press is being deliberately silenced, limiting the public’s access to information and undermining the transparency of the electoral process.
The ongoing violence against journalists casts doubt on the fairness of the election and raises alarms about the erosion of press freedom in the country,” he added.
Even before the by-election, the state of journalism in Uganda had been deteriorating, with security forces frequently targeting and attacking journalists.
According to Reporters Without Borders’ 2024 Press Freedom Index, Uganda ranks 128th out of 180 countries.
The report highlights that journalists in Uganda face intimidation and violence almost daily, with security services being the primary perpetrators.
Ssempala further stressed that the repeated attacks on journalists raise serious concerns about the credibility of the election.
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