By Hannah Marion Namukasa
The Uganda Journalists Association (UJA) has strongly condemned the violent assault of BBS TV journalist Ivan Mbadi by security personnel during the National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential campaign of Robert Kyagulanyi in Kween District on Monday.
In a video widely circulating on social media, two heavily armed security officers are seen forcefully grabbing Mbadi by the collar, choking him and dragging him toward a so-called “drone” security vehicle. The officers are also seen repeatedly hitting his head against the vehicle before continuing to restrain him, leaving the journalist visibly shaken and distressed with his camera broken.
The footage further captures sounds believed to be gunshots and teargas canisters being fired by combined security forces in the area, as members of the public scatter.
According to witnesses, Mbadi was covering Kyagulanyi’s campaign activities in his professional capacity at the time of the incident. He was clearly identifiable as a journalist, wearing a well-branded press jacket, yet this did not spare him from the violent treatment.
In a statement issued via its social media platforms, the Uganda Journalists Association condemned the actions of the security officers, describing them as unacceptable and unlawful.
“We’re very disturbed by this uncivilized conduct of these Uganda Police Officers as seen in this video clip, shamelessly torturing one of our own, journalist Ivan Mbadi with BBS TV,” the statement read.
“Mbadi, who was in the professional lawful line of duty, is clearly seen draped in a well-branded press jacket, but was still subjected to barbaric treatment. Violence against journalists and civilians is strongly rejected and must not be condoned.”
The incident adds to growing concerns by media rights organizations over the safety of journalists covering political activities, particularly during election periods. UJA called on authorities to investigate the assault and ensure that journalists are protected as they carry out their constitutional role of informing the public.
