By Mukembo Wilfred
The Uganda Journalists Association (UJA) has expressed profound discontent following the brutal assault of journalists David Ssekayombya from Bukedde TV, Isaac Tenywa, and Musisi Lwanga from Baba TV.
The incident occurred on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, when the journalists were attacked by security guards working for Kampala businessman Mr. Hamis Kigundu (commonly known as M Ham). The journalists were covering a fire that had ravaged one of Ham’s buildings in Nakivubo, Kampala.
According to reports, the trio was violently beaten and had their cameras damaged by the security guards, who were wearing black t-shirts. The assault, has resulted in significant health complications for the journalists and malicious damage of the scribes cameras.
A formal complaint was lodged with the Old Kampala Police Division, recorded under SD REF:128/28/08/2024, of malicious damage and assault. UJA condemns this attack as a severe violation of press freedom and human rights, emphasizing that such violence against journalists undermines democratic values and freedom of expression.
Emmanuel Kirunda, Secretary General of the UJA, highlighted the gravity of the situation, noting that this is not the first instance involving Mr. Ham. “In December 2022, Mr. Ham was implicated in the detention of senior journalist Dickson Mubiru for publishing an unfavorable story.”
“The deliberate attack on our colleagues is a criminal act and a blatant human rights violation. It is not the role of any individual or their security personnel to dictate or interfere with the work of journalists,” Kirunda stated. “We demand the immediate arrest of the perpetrators and an apology, along with compensation for the medical expenses and damaged equipment.”
The UJA has also called for the immediate arrest of Mr. Didas Mugisha, Director of Junias Nursery and Primary School in Gombe Division, Nansana Municipality. Mugisha is accused of assaulting journalists Robert Musanje and Daniel Sserwanga and damaging their equipment during a teachers’ industrial action on August 27, 2024.
Kirunda warned that failure to address these issues promptly might lead to further actions by the journalism community. “We cannot stand by as our country slides into lawlessness and impunity. We urge the authorities to take swift action to restore justice and ensure the safety of journalists.”
The UJA’s statement underscores the critical need for safeguarding press freedom and ensuring that those who attack journalists are held accountable.
