By Hannah Marion Namukasa
Uganda Journalists Association UJA has condemned the barbaric attack on journalists on Thursday at FDC party headquarters, as they executed their lawful duty.
UJA president Mathias Rukundo in a press released said it is so saddening that journalists were beaten by a group of goons “kanyamas” who attacked them as they executed their lawful duties outside the party premises leaving a number of journalists seriously injured including an intern journalist Ms Nowamani Ainembabazi who is attached to Urban Tv- Vision Group.
Mathias Rukundo explained that Ms. Ainembabazi was rushed to the nearby health facility after being brutally beaten, leaving her in critical and very painful condition. Her mobile phones were also stolen. Mobile phones and other recording devices for among other journalists; Charles Katabalwa with Radio Sapientia, Joseph Balikuddembe-Cbs Emanduso, Moses Waiswa of Busoga one and George William Katoloba-Namirembe Fm were as well stolen from them and they can hardly be traced up to now.
“What was occasioned on journalists is not only criminal but a clear violation of press freedom under Article 29 and 40 of the 1995 Constitution of Uganda.
We therefore, strongly condemn such attacks on press freedom and demand that the suspects be brought to book immediately. “ said Rukundo in a statement
Rukundo demanded for immediate return of all confiscated journalist work devices. Adding that they have as well instructed their legal team to take relevant legal action against the perpetuators as a deterrent measure against future human rights violations..
