Kawempe North By-Election: A Tough Campaign Season for Journalists
Beyond the candidates and their supporters, journalists covering the election have found themselves at the centre of a hostile environment, facing tear gas, live bullets, and intimidation from security forces.
The Kawempe North by-election campaign has been fraught with violence, police crackdowns, and chaotic rallies, making it one of the most intense political battlegrounds in recent memory.
Beyond the candidates and their supporters, journalists covering the election have found themselves at the centre of a hostile environment, facing tear gas, live bullets, and intimidation from security forces.
Several journalists have reported harassment and physical assault while covering the campaigns.
During the final rallies on Tuesday, police fired tear gas and live bullets to disperse opposition supporters, leading to scuffles that left some journalists injured.
One of the most alarming incidents occurred during Elias Nalukoola’s campaign procession when police violently dispersed the gathering, damaging a BBS TV crew’s vehicle in the process.
“This election season has been extremely difficult for journalists. We are being treated as enemies rather than professionals doing our job,” one journalist, who asked to remain anonymous, said.
The situation has raised serious concerns about press freedom and the ability of journalists to report freely without fear of retaliation.
With voting set for tomorrow, there are fears that journalists may face further restrictions and confrontations.
Key risks include restricted access to polling stations, potential violence, internet disruptions, and intimidation by security forces. There is also the possibility of arrests, particularly for journalists covering opposition candidates.
As they prepare for the by-election, journalists are urged to take precautions, including clearly wearing press identification, using protective gear, working in teams, securing alternative communication channels, and having emergency contacts readily available.
The role of journalists in documenting the electoral process remains critical, but whether authorities will allow them to operate without interference remains uncertain.
What is clear is that those covering the Kawempe North by-election must remain vigilant and prepared for a challenging reporting environment.
What to do
To navigate what could be a challenging reporting environment, journalists covering the Kawempe North by-election should consider the following precautions:
- Wear Press Identification Clearly: This can help differentiate journalists from ordinary civilians, reducing the risk of being targeted.
- Have Protective Gear: Helmets, gas masks, and protective clothing may be necessary in case of violent confrontations.
- Work in Teams: Journalists should avoid working alone and instead move in groups for added safety.
- Use Secure Communication: In case of internet disruptions, having alternative means of communication, such as offline messaging apps or radio channels, is crucial.
- Know Emergency Contacts: Journalists should have the contacts of legal aid teams, press associations, and medical personnel in case of emergencies.
