Kampala, Uganda | Joint organizations advocating for journalists’ rights have announced a boycott of all security agency-related activities in response to the violence against journalists during the Kawempe North by-election.
On Thursday, several journalists were attacked by security personnel, primarily from the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and the Police. Those assaulted and injured include Abubaker Lubowa, Denis Kagabo, Raymond Tamale, and Hasifa Nanvuma from the Nation Media Group (Daily Monitor, NTV, and Spark TV), as well as Hakiima Wampamba and Francis Isano from Next Media. UPDF soldiers also damaged or confiscated their equipment.
Various journalist organizations advocating for press freedom—including the Uganda Journalists Association (UJA), Uganda Parliament Press Association (UPPA), Uganda Sports Press Association (USPA), and the Human Rights Network for Journalists in Uganda (HRNJ-Uganda)—held a joint press briefing in Kampala. They announced a collective decision to boycott coverage of all security agency-related activities as a form of protest.
Robert Ssempala, Executive Director of HRNJ-Uganda, stated that while the decision to boycott security-related coverage was painful, it was necessary to send a strong message to security agencies about the importance of journalists’ safety.
“Moving forward, we demand that the safety and rights of journalists be respected. Unfortunately, the continued violation of these rights has reached a tipping point. Effective immediately, we will no longer cover activities of security organs, including the Police and UPDF, until we engage with their leadership to ensure journalists’ safety,” Ssempala said.
According to Ssempala, other associations, including the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) and the Uganda Editors’ Guild, have also endorsed the decision to boycott coverage of security agency-related activities in protest of the treatment of journalists.
Emmanuel Kirunda, Secretary General of UJA, emphasized that the boycott was a deliberate move aimed at holding those responsible for violating press freedoms accountable.
Moses Al Sayed Lubega, President of USPA, underscored that the decision was made collectively by various journalist associations. He warned media houses and individual journalists against defying the boycott, stating that those who do would face isolation.
“We can no longer guarantee the safety of our colleagues in the field. We believe it is in the best interest of media houses and individual journalists to prioritize safety. The current environment no longer allows journalists to carry out their duties freely,” Lubega said.
EU Condemns Violence Against Journalists
Meanwhile, the European Union (EU) has condemned the violence that marred the Kawempe North by-election, particularly the attacks on journalists covering the polls.
Several journalists were reportedly beaten and hospitalized, while others were detained without clear explanations regarding their alleged offenses. Equipment was also confiscated and destroyed.
In a brief statement, the EU Delegation in Uganda expressed concern over the excessive use of force against journalists and called for greater respect for the media’s role in democracy.
“Independent media is a cornerstone of democracies. During elections, the work of journalists is more important than ever. We urge Ugandan authorities to exercise restraint,” the statement read.
UPDF Promises Investigation
Earlier, Acting Defense Public Information Officer, Col. Chris Magezi, issued a statement expressing the UPDF’s concern over the “alleged beating and harassment of journalists” by security forces.
Magezi noted that it was not yet clear what had caused the clashes between security forces and journalists. He stated that the UPDF had launched investigations into the incidents and would take appropriate disciplinary action if necessary.
“The results of the investigations will guide the measures to be undertaken, including disciplinary processes where appropriate,” he said.
While commending most citizens for being law-abiding, Magezi claimed that “a few individuals seek to cause trouble, engage in aggressive behavior against security forces, and break the law.”
He vowed that such individuals would be dealt with firmly in accordance with the law.
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