NUP to Sue Over Attacks on Journalists, Party Members

NUP leaders made the announcement while visiting hospitals where the injured are receiving treatment. Survivors described brutal beatings, abduction, and mistreatment at the hands of security operatives, leaving many with serious injuries.

The National Unity Platform (NUP) has announced plans to take legal action against security forces following violent attacks on journalists and party members during the recent Kawempe North by-election.

Among those assaulted were Members of Parliament who had been monitoring the polls.

NUP leaders made the announcement while visiting hospitals where the injured are receiving treatment.

Survivors described brutal beatings, abduction, and mistreatment at the hands of security operatives, leaving many with serious injuries.

At Kampala Hospital, NUP leaders met injured journalists, including NBS TV’s Francis Isano, Dennis Kabugo, and Raymond Tamale.

Isano, who sustained neck injuries after strangulation by security officers, said he had been unable to eat since the incident due to pain.

“I haven’t been able to eat anything since yesterday. The pain in my neck is unbearable,” Isano said.

Non-fatal strangulation can cause serious injuries, including difficulty breathing, bruising, internal damage, and even long-term health effects

NUP president Robert Kyagulanyi condemned the attacks, urging journalists to defend their rights.

“This is unacceptable. If journalists don’t fight for their rights now, their tormentors will continue to silence them,” Kyagulanyi said, vowing to hold the perpetrators accountable.

At Nsambya Hospital, Kira Mayor Julius Mutebi Nsubuga recounted being abducted and tortured inside a security drone, suffering wounds from beatings with electric wires.

“They beat me with electric wires inside the drone. The pain is unbearable, but knowing that we won the election in Kawempe North gives me hope,” Mutebi said.

Ashraf Isabirye, a Kira councillor, alleged that he and journalists were taken to Maj. Sam Kuteesa’s residence, where they were tortured.

“If they can do this to elected leaders and journalists, imagine what they are capable of doing to ordinary citizens. We must resist this oppression,” Kyagulanyi said.

At Lubaga Hospital, MPs Hilary Kiyaga and Solomon Kayemba were still recovering. Kayemba, in critical pain, said he thought he would not survive his detention.

“I am in a lot of pain, but I am recovering. We will not be silenced,” Kiyaga stated.

Kayemba, on the other hand, recounted how he was nearly killed while in the custody of security operatives.

“They almost killed me inside that drone. I thought I wouldn’t make it out alive,” Kayemba revealed.

Both MPs were abducted in Kazo Angola, an area where security forces were highly active during the election. Kyagulanyi explained the significance of the polling station and why it drew so much security attention.

“There was a clear plan to intimidate and suppress our voters. Kazo Angola was a key battleground,” Kyagulanyi explained.

He reiterated NUP’s commitment to seeking justice for the victims and prosecuting those responsible.

“We will not stop until justice is served. Those behind these attacks must be held accountable,” he vowed.

NUP has vowed to pursue legal action against the security personnel involved in the attacks. Meanwhile, journalists and politicians continue to recover, with many still unable to eat or move properly due to their injuries.