Ssemakadde condemns targeted attacks on journalists covering Kawempe by-election
The President of the Uganda Law Society (ULS), Isaac Ssemakadde, has condemned the ongoing attacks on journalists covering Kawempe by-election calling them “unacceptable” and demanding urgent action to protect press freedom.
His comments follow reports that four journalists covering the Kawempe North by-election were assaulted, arrested, and transported in an unmarked drone vehicle by security operatives.
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The affected journalists have been identified as Isano Francis (NBS TV), Raymond Tamale (NTV), Dennis Kabugo, and Abubaker Lubowa (Daily Monitor).
Meanwhile, three others David Ijjo (NTV), Hassan Wasswa (NBS TV), and Hakim Wampamba (NBS TV) managed to escape the ordeal.
Eyewitnesses reported that security forces specifically targeted the journalists as they covered events at various polling stations.
In a social media post, Ssemakadde emphasized the need to demilitarize civic spaces and called for the immediate release of all detained journalists and activists.
“This attack on media freedom is unacceptable. #Demilitarization #FreeEveryone.”
Human rights lawyer George Musisi has also condemned the increasing attacks on journalists, describing them as part of a systematic crackdown on press freedom rather than isolated incidents.
“The attack on journalists is not a random act of rogue personnel! Just like the attacks on political activists; it's deliberate, targeted, condoned by their supervisors, and encouraged!” Musisi stated.
The presence of heavily armed UPDF soldiers and the use of unmarked drone vehicles have heightened fears of intimidation, particularly among media personnel.
Media organizations have expressed alarm over the escalating repression, citing previous attacks on journalists, including Canary Mugume and Hassan Wasswa.
Several press freedom groups have called on authorities to ensure the safety of journalists and hold perpetrators accountable.
As the Kawempe North by-election continues, concerns over press freedom, journalists’ safety, and the integrity of the electoral process continue to mount.
The Uganda Journalists Association (UJA) has urged immediate action to protect media practitioners, while the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) has pledged to investigate the growing allegations of media repression.
