By Mukembo Wilfred
The Uganda Journalists Association (UJA) has strongly condemned the brutal assault of senior NTV Uganda journalist Steven Mbidde, who was attacked by police officers with utter impunity at Wandegeya Police Station while on duty. The UJA describes the attack as “shameless” and “ruthless,” with Mbidde becoming the latest victim in a disturbing pattern of violence against journalists.
This attack comes just days after a similar incident involving journalist Miracle Ibra of Top TV, who was severely injured by police officers from the Joint Anti-Terrorism Task Force (JAT). Ibra’s skull and eye were left badly damaged, and he remains hospitalized as a result of the brutal assault. And Steven Kibwiika of Spark tv who was brutally attacked by security officials on Monday in Kawempe during the Elias Luyimbazi Nalukoola, Kawempe North NUP MP aspirant rally.
The UJA has called for widespread protests against these egregious crimes, urging both journalists and non-journalists to stand in solidarity and vehemently condemn such acts of violence. The association has vowed to address the growing wave of attacks on journalists and assure the public that a full statement will be issued once their teams on the ground have completed their assessment of the situation.
“Violence and impunity on journalists by security personnel is illegal and a blatant violation of the fundamental human rights and press freedom!!” UJA secretary general Emmanuel Kirunda said
This alarming trend of impunity against media workers has sparked outrage within Uganda’s press community, with many calling for greater protection of journalists who risk their lives daily to report the truth.
“Our own news reporter, Steven Mbidde, was seen being attacked by men in uniform earlier this morning as he attempted to speak to David Lewis Rubongoya at Wandegeya Police Station, where some of the arrested NUP supporters were being held after yesterday’s raid.” Posted NTV Uganda on their official social media platforms
