The human Rights Network for Journalists in Uganda watchdog has said that since the beginning of 2023, they have been receiving complaints from journalists of harassment, and ill-treatment while reporting by the government and non state actors.
Executive Director Robert Ssempala was speaking to reporters at the Bukoto sponsored offices of the HRNJ-UGANDA said that between 1st January and 26th July 2023, HRNJ-UGANDA has registered 16 cases of assault, 9 confiscated gadgets, 2 threatening violence, arrests, and 6 malicious damage to property against journalist occasioned by the police, army and community members.All these forty (43) cases are directly linked to media work.
The victims were identified as Kakooza George William, Sula Kagugube , Nora Odoi of CBS FM and UBC TV respectively who were assaulted by the officials on 26th January
Moris Okwi, a Uganda Radio Network (URN) correspondent in Soroti City, was attacked by supporters of Philip Oucor, the National Resistance Movement flag bearer during the Serere County by-election.Okwi sustained severe bodily injuries.
David Awori, a Daily Monitor correspondent in Busia district, was assaulted by Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) officers on April 12, 2023. His camera, phone and bag were confiscated by the army officers.
According to Robert Ssempala says, on 20th 2023 that Ainembabazi Nowamani of Urban Tv, Amaiko Kigongo of Radio Simba, Joseph Balikuddembe of CBS FM and Kataloba William of Namirembe FM were attacked by suspected goons at the Forum Democratic Change (FDC) headquarters in Najjanankumbi a press conference convened by the party Chairman, Ambassador Wasswa Birigwa.
He also said that on 20th 2023 Ogulei John,a journalist attached to TBS FM in Soroti city was assaulted by the Regional Police Commander of East Kyoga Region Kityo Moses Mwanga Magyezi and Soroti Main Market Vendors.
Ssempala said there are other journalists who have been beaten without justice and now the human rights network for journalists has filed complaints of journalists who have been beaten with cases pending in court to prosecute those who beat journalists.
BY mugula Dan
