By Kabuye Ronald
Uganda Journalists Association (UJA) president Mathias Rukundo has condemned the persistent acts of violence and brutality occasioned on journalists covering opposition presidential candidates as witnessed on Sunday, 27th December 2020 in Masaka.
On sunday morning freelance journalist Ashiraf Kasirye of Ghetto TV, Daniel Lutaaya of NBS TV, and Ali Mivule of NTV were injured as they covered the campaigns of presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi Sentamu popularly known as Bobi Wine in Kyabakuza, Masaka.
Kasirye who was hit by an explosive on his head received initial treatment at Masaka Hospital and is being transferred to Rubaga hospital for further medical attention. Lutaaya and Mivule sustained leg injuries.
” Our hearts grieve at the physical and psychological trauma that our colleagues have had to endure, and we wish them a quick and complete recovery. ” read a statement in parts by UJA president
It should be recalled that Kasirye was previously (18th November, 2020) brutally arrested by police while covering Bobi Wine in Luuka District. At the same event, Sam Balikowa of City Fm and Nile TV in Jinja was also arrested.
Rukundo said the work of journalists is lawful as reflected in the Articles 29 (1),40 (2),41(1),24 of the National Constitution and The Access to the Information Act of 2005.
“We hereby demand that security agencies cease their illegal attacks on journalists, and quickly bring to book individual officers who have made it their mission to violate journalists’ rights.
UJA will not rest until this matter has been fully investigated and justice has been served. We urge all journalists to continue exercising their duties and freedoms without fear or favour. No amount of intimidation or exercise of unlawful acts of violence against the media fraternity will scare us into silence. We will continue to expose all the actions of violators of our rights and pursue all possible avenues to secure our freedoms. ” read Rukundo’s statement
