The Ugandan government has expressed regret over the brutal attacks on journalists during the Kawempe North by-election, which left several media personnel hospitalized and others nursing injuries.
Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, Minister of ICT and National Guidance, acknowledged the distressing nature of the violence but called for a full account of events from all sides.
“It is not good what happened to them, but we also have to know what happened from the accused side,” Baryomunsi said.
NRM Elements Exploiting Electoral Interests
Ofwono Opondo, Executive Director of the Uganda Media Centre, pointed out that certain individuals within the ruling NRM party exploit the government’s electoral interests to commit acts of violence.
“We have to identify these elements,” he stated.
Speaking on NBS TV’s The Frontline, Opondo emphasized the need to investigate the army’s involvement in the election.
“There has to be a trail of who requested the army’s assistance and whether it was done procedurally or not,” he said.
Related: Journalists Targeted in Kawempe North By-Election Crackdown
Journalists Targeted in Violent Crackdown
The violence surrounding the Kawempe by-election has cast a dark shadow over press freedom, with journalists bearing the brunt of the crackdown.
As they moved across polling stations to provide live updates, security forces targeted them relentlessly.
By the end of the day, at least ten journalists had been severely beaten, including:
- Francis Isano, Hassan Wasswa, and Hakiim Wampamba (NBS).
- Hasifa Nanvuma and David Ijjo (NTV).
- Raymond Tamale, Dennis Kabugo (NTV), and Abubakar Lubowa (Daily Monitor).
“I have been beaten severely, my camera is broken,” a tearful Hasifa Nanvuma recounted.
Unprecedented Brutality Against Media
Journalists described the attacks as unprecedented. Adam Mayambala and Canary Mugume were ordered to delete footage.
“A soldier told us to erase everything we had on camera,” Mayambala said.
Mugume, visibly shaken, remarked, “I have never seen this kind of beatings.”
Witnesses reported that security personnel forcibly loaded journalists into a drone vehicle before subjecting them to relentless beatings.
“They confiscated all gadgets and suddenly started beating Abu, Tamale, and Isano,” Ijjo narrated.
Related: Police Deny Journalist Ibrahim Miracle Was Shot
A Pattern of Intimidation
The violent crackdown follows a pattern of intimidation against journalists covering the by-election.
Even before polling day, others—including Ibrahim Miracle, Steven Kibwiika, and Thomas Kitimbo—had already faced harassment from security forces.
Earlier on Thursday, Colonel Chris Magezi, acting Defence and Military spokesperson, condemned the brutality and announced that the army would investigate the circumstances leading to the attacks.
Calls for Accountability Grow
The attacks have sparked widespread condemnation, with calls for accountability and reforms to protect press freedom.
As Uganda prepares for the 2026 general elections, the incident raises serious concerns about the safety of journalists and the integrity of the electoral process.
