By Mukembo Wilfred
The Western Ankole Civil Society Forum(WACSOF) has joined other bodies in condemning attacks and harassment of Journalists in Uganda by security organs.
WACSOF excutive director Kakonge Apollo Lee said it beats their understanding that security forces have employed a brutal hand against the crucial role journalists play in Uganda.
“we join the rest of players to stand with members of the press, who have recently become a target of security forces while going about their work of covering the 2020-2021 elections in Uganda especially when covering members of the opposition. It beats our understanding that security forces have employed a brutal hand against the crucial role journalists play in Uganda.” said Kakonge
Kakonge said it is deeply concerning that freedoms are being abused by the state, especially on journalists, whose independent, fact-based and reliable service we depend on.
“We stand in solidarity with journalists as they continue providing the public with reliable information during this time of elections.
It is deeply concerning on our side to see that across the country, freedoms are being abused by the state, especially on journalists, whose independent, fact-based and reliable service we depend on.
The media constitute the fourth pillar of democracy in society and their role is vital in generating a democratic culture, which culture allows all parties to be visible without discrimination.”said Kakonge
Kakonge said a free press is crucial for a comprehensive response to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis and electoral process.
He called for action to give way for free press as a prerequisite for a functioning democracy in our country Uganda.
He further urged government to protect journalists from threats, so information can be disseminated without suppression.
It should be recalled, 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.
Uganda Journalists Association (UJA) president Mathias Rukundo condemned the attack on media and vowed not to rest until the matter is fully investigated and justice served.
He 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” said Rukundo
