NBS reporter describes terrifying attack by security forces at Kawempe by-election

Hakim Wampamba, a senior reporter for Next Media Group, has recounted the terrifying experience he and his colleagues endured while covering the Kawempe North by-election on Thursday.

Journalists covering the by-election voiced serious concerns over press freedom, as multiple reporters were injured and their equipment confiscated during live broadcasts.

Wampamba, who was part of a team covering the electoral process shared the traumatic events that unfolded.

The team, including Wampamba and his camera operator, Hassan Wasswa, had earlier completed a broadcast from the nearby polling station and were on their way to document the voting process at Kazo Central.

In an emotional statement, Wampamba described the harrowing experience:

“We went very early to do our job. I was with Hassan Wasswa, my camera operator. We did our first live link at the Matero polling station, which was the first live broadcast for NBS Television,” Wampamba explained.

“Later, our editor instructed us to cover FDC candidate Saddam Mukiibi, who was voting at Kazo Central pollingstation. We had to show the world what was happening there," he added.

Upon arriving at the polling station, Wampamba’s team found themselves in immediate danger.

He described how unmarked vehicles arrived at the polling station, followed by armed men who began making arrests.

“Some men arrived in unmarked vehicles and started arresting people,” he said.

“They took MP Solomon Kayemba first, and when Hassan Wasswa tried to film the scene, he was beaten severely, and both the camera and live unit were confiscated," he recounted.

The situation escalated when Wampamba and other journalists were singled out.

“After FDC candidate left the polling station, the same group returned and descended on us. Hassan, Abubakar Lubowa, and Francis Isano were beaten,” Wampamba recalled.

“I managed to escape and hide in a shop after they destroyed Hassan’s camera, but they eventually tracked me down.”

Wampamba revealed that a police officer seemed to aid the attackers by revealing his location.

“A police officer informed the team that caused the terror, and they came for me. I couldn’t survive some of the blows they gave me,” he said.

Wampamba expressed his gratitude to a boda boda rider, who helped him escape despite being pursued by the attackers.

“I want to thank the boda boda guy who flew me away. The drones chased after us,” Wampamba said.

“I apologise to my colleagues Francis Isano, Hassan Wasswa, and Hafswa Nanvuma. I couldn’t save you because I couldn’t save myself,” he said, shedding tears.

Four journalists covering the Kawempe North by-election were reportedly assaulted, arrested, and transported in a drone vehicle by security operatives.

The journalists, identified as Isano Francis of NBS TV, Raymond Tamale of NTV, Dennis Kabugo, and Abubaker Lubowa of Daily Monitor, were detained while working in the area.

Three other journalists David Ijjo of NTV, Hassan Wasswa of NBS TV, and Hakim Wampamba of NBS TV managed to escape the ordeal.

Eyewitness reports suggest that security forces specifically targeted the journalists while they were covering various polling stations.

Though the full details of the assault remain unclear, sources indicate that the journalists were subjected to physical abuse before being forcibly taken away by security operatives in a drone vehicle a mode of transport that has raised widespread concern.

Canary Mugume, senior reporter for NBS TV, expressed deep concern over the increasing security presence, describing it as highly suspicious.

"UPDF soldiers carrying guns are patrolling the streets in both official vehicles and drones with their number plates removed," Mugume said. He pointed out the specific targeting of journalists.

The Uganda Parliamentary Press Association, the Uganda Journalists Association (UJA), and media watchdogs have condemned the attacks, demanding accountability and stronger protections for the press.

While the government has yet to respond, media rights groups warn that continued repression could erode public trust in the electoral process.

The Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) has pledged to investigate the growing allegations of media suppression, as concerns over journalists’ safety and electoral integrity continue to mount.