By Kabuye Ronald
The Uganda Journalists Association (UJA) has strongly condemned the alleged torture, arrest, and detention of two journalists by police officers attached to Kashensheero Police Station in Mitooma District.
The journalists, Hillary Twinamatsiko, a correspondent with Nation Media Group (NMG), and Sympathy Magezi of Voice of Ruhinda, were reportedly arrested on June 15 while carrying out a news investigation into claims that police officers at the station were frequently absent from duty during official working hours.
According to UJA, the journalists had been conducting interviews in the area when police officers allegedly tracked and intercepted them using information from informers. They were reportedly arrested and taken to Kashensheero Police Station, where they were detained between 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.
UJA alleges that while in detention, Twinamatsiko was subjected to severe physical abuse by police officers. The reported acts included beatings, being knocked against a wall, neck strangulation, squeezing of the nose, punches to the stomach, and blows to the head. The alleged assault is said to have lasted approximately 30 minutes and left the journalist with injuries, including damage to one eye.
Following his release, Twinamatsiko sought medical treatment at Kampala International Teaching Hospital.
In a statement issued by UJA Secretary General Emmanuel Kirunda, the association described the incident as a blatant violation of constitutional protections guaranteeing freedom of the press and access to information under Articles 29(1)(a) and 41 of the Constitution of Uganda.
“Police officers are public servants funded by taxpayers and must remain open to public scrutiny through the media,” the statement read. “These actions appear intended to intimidate journalists and shield alleged misconduct from public accountability.”
The association expressed solidarity with the two journalists, noting that media practitioners continue to face increasingly difficult and hostile working conditions while carrying out their professional duties.
UJA has called on the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to launch an immediate and independent investigation into the incident and ensure that any officers found culpable are held individually accountable in accordance with the law.
The association further demanded that police authorities meet the medical costs incurred by the affected journalists and issue a formal public clarification regarding the incident to dispel speculation surrounding possible institutional support for the officers’ actions.
Additionally, UJA urged the Uganda Police Force to adopt non-discriminatory media access policies that respect journalistic independence and uphold press freedom.
The association warned that should its demands remain unaddressed, it would pursue additional legal and institutional remedies to ensure justice for the affected journalists.
“The Uganda Journalists Association reaffirms its unwavering commitment to defending press freedom, promoting ethical journalism, and holding duty bearers accountable,” Kirunda said.
The Uganda Police Force had not yet publicly responded to the allegations by the time of publication.
