Another Ugandan journalist is fighting for his life after a brutal encounter with security forces. David Musisi Karyankolo, a reporter with Bukedde TV, remains in critical condition at Case Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit after being injured while covering a protest in Mukono on Friday, April 4th.
According to eyewitness accounts, Musisi was struck in the head by a teargas canister allegedly fired by police officers during a chaotic protest over a prolonged power blackout in Ngandu, Mukono Central Division. His injury has sparked outrage among media practitioners and rights groups nationwide.
The Uganda Journalists Association has strongly condemned the incident, calling it yet another example of a disturbing pattern of violence targeting journalists.
“This unceasing and growing wave of attacks on journalists by those who are supposed to protect them is a serious concern and must stop,” the association said in a Saturday statement.
Musisi’s case adds to a growing list of recent violations. Just weeks ago, police and UPDF personnel were accused of beating, hospitalizing, and unlawfully detaining journalists covering the Kawempe North parliamentary by-election. In several cases, media workers had their equipment destroyed or confiscated.
UJA has called for an urgent investigation into the attack on Musisi and demanded that the officers responsible face accountability. The association is also pushing the government to take concrete steps toward ensuring journalist safety and safeguarding press freedom in the country.
In a show of protest, multiple media advocacy groups have announced a boycott of all activities involving security agencies until meaningful reforms are enacted.
Uganda has long faced criticism over its press freedom record, and Musisi’s case is likely to intensify scrutiny both locally and internationally.
As he remains in critical condition, fellow journalists, civil society, and human rights defenders continue to demand justice—not just for him, but for all media professionals working under threat.
