Journalists covering the Kawempe North by-election have faced violent assaults from security forces, with NBS Television’s equipment confiscated amid heavy deployment in the area.
On Thursday morning, voters began casting their ballots to replace the late MP Muhammad Ssegirinya. However, reports of media harassment quickly overshadowed the process
Among these includes, Isano Francis, Raymond Tamale, Dennis Kabugo, and Abubaker Lubowa were allegedly assaulted by UPDF, arrested, and taken away in a drone vehicle. Meanwhile, journalists David Ijjo, Hassan Wasswa, and Hakim Wampamba managed to escape the violence.
NBS journalist Canary Mugume, who was reporting live from Kawempe, revealed that security personnel were targeting journalists, particularly those carrying cameras.
“Wherever they see a camera, they are beating and assaulting journalists,” Mugume stated. “It’s embarrassing to witness this in an election that was promised to be free and fair.”
Mugume further reported that NBS crew members had to flee for their safety, with videographer Hassan Wasswa suffering serious injuries and requiring medical attention.
This latest incident comes a day after Spark TV journalist Steven Kibwiika was hospitalized following an assault by armed individuals believed to be security operatives in Nammere, Kawempe Division.
Media rights organizations have strongly condemned the attacks, calling for immediate accountability from authorities.
