NMG journalists Abubaker Lubowa, Dennis Kabugo and Raymond Tamale who have been covering the Kawempe By-Election, went missing before they were later released. NBS TV journalists Francis Isaano and Hakim Wampamba were also arrested (PHOTO/NTV Uganda).
KAMPALA – In a disturbing trend, journalists covering the Kawempe North by-election in Uganda have come under attack by security operatives. The African Centre for Media Excellence (ACME) has strongly condemned this violence, citing a blatant disregard for the safety and rights of media personnel.
The latest incident occurred on March 13, 2025, when three journalists – Hasifah Nanvuma from Nation Media Group, and Hassan Wasswa and Francis Ijjo from NBS – were assaulted and injured while covering the polls. This brings the total number of journalists attacked by security operatives during this by-election to seven.
Previous incidents include the assault of Steven Kibwika, a journalist with Nation Media Group, and Thomas Kitimbo, a journalist with NBS TV, on March 12, 2025. Ibrahim Miracle, a journalist with Top TV, was also beaten and injured by operatives of the Joint Anti-Terrorism Unit on February 26, 2025.
Dr. George Lugalambi, ACME’s executive director, denounced the attacks, stating, “The unrestrained conduct of security agents is a blatant attack on independent journalism, endangers legitimate civic participation in legal political activities, and undermines access to information that is vital for voters to exercise their constitutional rights.”
ACME has urged all security agencies to adhere to their mandate of maintaining law and order and guaranteeing the safety of all individuals involved in constitutionally-protected political and civic activities. This includes ensuring that security officers follow approved standard operating procedures, are accountable, and proactively safeguard journalists from attacks.
The organization has also expressed concern over the apparent premeditated pattern to destroy evidence of this brutality, with cameras being confiscated, damaged, or footage deleted. Moreover, the offending operatives have been pictured wearing masks to hide their identity, contravening the Minister of State for Internal Affairs’ directive that security officials must always be identifiable while on duty.
As Uganda approaches the 2026 general elections, ACME’s condemnation serves as a stark reminder of the need to protect journalists and ensure their safety while carrying out their professional duties.
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