National Media Group journalist Hasifa Nambuma, NBS TV’s Hassan Waswa and NTV Uganda’s Francis Ejo were brutally assaulted by security forces while reporting in the March 13 Kawenpe Northern Election, local media reported. The three media workers needed emergency medical attention.
NBS TV journalists Hakim Wampamba and Francis Isano were also beaten and arrested. NBS TV claims that a team, including photojournalist Francis Isano, photographer Hassan Waswa and reporter Hakim Wampampa, were intentionally targeted by security personnel during their assignment.
Several other journalists covering the election were beaten, their cameras, laptops and phones confiscated and destroyed by security agents.
In a statement, Uju President Lucy Ekadu said: “Current attacks on the media are viewed as movements organized by security agents to intimidate journalists, curb the country’s access to information and hold the Ugandan Republican Defense Force (UPDF) accountable.”
In line with a similar policy, National TV station NBS issued a statement condemning unfair attacks, arrests and journalist threats, calling for accountability. “We are concerned about the hospitalization of photojournalist Francis Isano, who was injured by brutal assault. Journalists should not harm them simply by doing their work.
“We are calling on the Ugandan Republican Defense Force (UPDF), Ugandan Police and the Election Commission to explain these actions and ensure accountability,” the statement concluded.
Following the joint press conference on March 13, UJU and other media associations have declared a media outage on security agencies until further notice. They urged the editors to withdraw from field reporters covering security agencies.
IFJ General Secretary Antony Berranger has held him accountable for the unfair and brutal attacks on journalists who cover Kawenpe’s election. “We are shocked by the violence manifested by security forces against journalists. Journalists were fulfilling their duty to notify the public. These brutal attacks are unacceptable, and those responsible must be brought to trial. Violence against journalists must not be punished,” he said.
