Journalists petition Gen.Muhoozi over repeated army brutality while on duty

A group of journalists under their umbrella body, Media Freedom Forum have petitioned the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen.David Muhoozi over what they have termed as continued harassment and brutality meted out to their colleagues while on duty.

On August 21, a group of journalists including Reuters’ James Akena, Ronald Ggaliwango, Juma Kirya(NTV) and Alfred Ochwo(Observer) among others were beaten before being arrested by army personnel  while covering Bobi Wine protests in the city centre.

A few days later, NBS’ Joshua Mujunga was also beaten by soldiers while covering protests in Kamwokya.

In their petition, the journalists say that on a number of occasions, soldiers have repeatedly battered journalists while on duty, despite being were branded.

“We wish to bring it to your kind attention that this is not the first time soldiers of the UPDF have descended on journalists. On May 11, 2016, soldiers indiscriminately beat up people, including journalists,” reads in part the petition signed by over 200 journalists.

“This is the day that Dr.Kizza Besigye escaped from detention at his home in Kasangati and suddenly appeared in the middle of Kampala. Many journalists sustained injuries as a result of the beating.”

The petition is also copied to the speaker of parliament Rebecca Kadaga, the Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, Minister for Security and Internal Affairs Minister.

The journalists’ body says that in cases of riots, members of the media are always well labelled and with IDs whereas others put on vests that clearly identify them but soldiers have on many occasions gone ahead to batter them.

“We wish to reiterate that journalism is not a crime and that the practice of journalism is protected by our constitution and many regional and international instruments to which Uganda is party.”

Following the beating of journalists during the free Bobi Wine protests, Gen.Muhoozi reportedly ordered for the arrest and detention of soldiers involved in the saga.

“Attention has been brought to the leadership of the UPDF about the unprofessional conduct of soldiers who molested some journalists while deployed on a joint operation in the capital city on Monday 20, August 2018,”read in part, a statement by the army spokesperson, Brig.Karemire.

“UPDF wishes to express its displeasure over such behaviour by those individuals and as a result, the Chief of Defence Forces has ordered for their arrest and punishment.”

However, the journalists’ body says despite admitting that there was an ‘unprofessional’ conduct by soldiers the CDF, no effort has ever been made to arrest the culprits.

Demands

The journalists in their petition want the army to release the identities of soldiers who beat up journalists and other civilians and have them arraigned in open courts.

“We request that the trial of these soldiers is done in the open since the offences committed were in the open and against civilians who should be accorded the right to see the process of justice.”

“You should cause the arrest of the commanders on the days soldiers beat up journalists and other people because it is clear they were complicit in the commission of the offences.”

The journalists’ body also want the army leadership to clarify on the rules of engagement given to soldiers while being deployed to deal with civilians.