Chaos erupted in Kampala this week as joint security forces arrested National Unity Platform (NUP) candidate Elias Luyimbazi Nalukoola.
Amid the commotion, Top TV journalist Ibrahim Miracle was injured, sparking rumors he’d been hit by a bullet. But the police say otherwise.
Here’s what we know—and why this incident has reignited concerns about press safety in Uganda.
The Incident
On Monday, Nalukoola, freshly nominated for the Kawempe North by-election, was apprehended in an operation that quickly turned chaotic.
Gunfire rang out, sending politicians, journalists, and bystanders scrambling for safety.
In the midst of the confusion, Ibrahim Miracle sustained a deep cut near his eye. He was rushed to Nsambya Hospital for treatment, where initial reports speculated he’d been struck by a bullet.
But the Kampala Metropolitan Police have firmly denied these claims.
Erias Nalukoola Secures NUP Ticket for Kawempe North
Police Clarify
Deputy spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire set the record straight, citing medical reports.
“It is not true that he [Miracle] was hit by a bullet,” Owoyesigyire told Kampala Town. “Doctors have indicated that the injury was caused by a sharp object, but not a bullet.”
While the exact cause of the injury remains under investigation, Owoyesigyire assured the public that those responsible—whether security personnel or individuals—would be held accountable.
Related: Erias Nalukoola Secures NUP Ticket for Kawempe North
Journalist Safety Under Scrutiny
This incident isn’t just about one journalist’s injury. It’s a stark reminder of the risks journalists face while covering political events in Uganda.
- Past Confrontations: This isn’t the first time journalists have been caught in the crossfire during political unrest.
- Press Freedom Concerns: The incident raises questions about whether enough is being done to protect reporters on the frontlines.
Journalists play a critical role in holding power to account. When their safety is compromised, it’s not just a personal tragedy—it’s a blow to democracy itself.
Related: Mandatory Cadre Course for Media Practitioners
What’s Next?
As investigations continue, all eyes are on the authorities to ensure transparency and accountability. Will those responsible for Miracle’s injury be identified and held to account?
And more importantly, what steps will be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future?
For now, Ibrahim Miracle is recovering, and the public is left grappling with the broader implications of this case.
The arrest of Nalukoola and the injury of Ibrahim Miracle have once again highlighted the tense relationship between security forces, the press, and political actors in Uganda.
While the police have denied the bullet claim, the incident underscores the need for greater protections for journalists and a commitment to press freedom.
As the story unfolds, one thing is clear: the safety of those who bring us the news cannot be taken for granted.
