The European Union (EU) has strongly condemned the violent incidents that marred the Kawempe North parliamentary by-election, particularly the brutal attacks on journalists covering the polls. Several reporters were beaten, detained without clear justification, and had their equipment confiscated or destroyed by security forces.
In a statement issued on Friday, the EU Delegation in Uganda expressed deep concern over the excessive force used against members of the media, emphasizing the critical role of press freedom in a functioning democracy.
“The European Union is deeply concerned about the use of excessive force against journalists covering the Kawempe North by-election. We call for full respect for the role of the media in democracy,” the statement read.
The condemnation follows reports that several journalists were assaulted and hospitalized, while others were arbitrarily arrested as they documented electoral proceedings. Media houses, including NBS TV, Daily Monitor, and BBS Terefayina, have since withdrawn their teams from covering the election, citing safety concerns.
This latest condemnation adds to growing international scrutiny over Uganda’s treatment of journalists and press freedoms, with calls for accountability over the events that transpired during the by-election.
