The Crime of Being Journalist At Work
By the end of the day, at least ten journalists had been severely beaten by security personnel.
What began as an ordinary day for journalists covering the Kawempe North by-election quickly turned into a violent ordeal as security forces launched a coordinated crackdown, targeting members of the press.
Journalists from various media houses had set out in the morning, determined to provide live updates on the unfolding events.
As they moved across different locations, so did the security forces—mobilizing in tight formations, their presence felt in every corner. It soon became clear that those holding notebooks, cameras, or pens were marked targets.
By the end of the day, at least ten journalists had been severely beaten by security personnel.
Among the victims were Francis Isano, Hassan Wasswa, and Hakiim Wampamba from NBS, along with Hasifa Nanvuma and David Ijjo from NTV.
“I have been beaten severely, my camera is broken,” a tearful Nanvuma recounted.
Other journalists narrowly escaped similar attacks. Adam Mayambala and Canary Mugume were ordered to delete footage.
"A soldier told us to erase everything we had on camera," Mayambala said. Mugume, shaken by the events, described the brutality as unprecedented. "I have never seen this kind of beatings," he remarked.
Meanwhile, Raymond Tamale and Dennis Kabugo from NTV, as well as Abubakar Lubowa from the Daily Monitor, were among those attacked and left with serious injuries.
Witnesses reported that security personnel forcibly loaded journalists into a drone vehicle before subjecting them to relentless beatings.
"They confiscated all gadgets and suddenly started beating Abu, Tamale, and Isano," Ijjo narrated.
The violent crackdown follows a pattern of intimidation against journalists covering the by-election.
Even before polling day, others—including Ibra Miracle, Steven Kibwiika, and Thomas Kitimbo—had already faced harassment from security forces.
As police patrols intensified throughout the area, journalists who had yet to be attacked watched in fear, their profession becoming increasingly dangerous in a political climate that seems intent on silencing the press.
