The Uganda Journalists Association (UJA) has released a list of more than 30 journalists who were attacked by the Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) and other security agencies while covering the Kawempe North parliamentary by-election.
The attacks, which occurred on March 12 and 13, targeted journalists from major media houses, including Nation Media Group, Vision Group, Next Media, BBS TV, UBC, and Salt Media.
UJA noted that the list is still being compiled as more cases emerge.
Journalists from Nation Media Group who were assaulted include Steven Kibwiika (Spark TV), Hasfah Nanvuma (Spark TV), Raymond Tamale (NTV), Denis Kabugo (NTV), Abubaker Lubowa (Daily Monitor), and David Ijjo (NTV).
From Vision Group, affected journalists include Everest Mukiibi (Bukedde Radio Embuutikizi), Ruhweza Ibrahim (New Vision), and Isaac Nuwagaba (New Vision).
Several Next Media journalists were also targeted, including Francis Isano (Nile Post), Hakim Wampamba (NBS TV), Hassan Wasswa (NBS TV), Thomas Kitimbo (NBS TV), Adam Mayambala (NBS TV), Julius Bakabage (NBS TV), Canary Mugume (NBS TV), and Shamim Nabakooza (NBS TV).
Other journalists attacked include Moses Jjunju and Bakabulindi from BBS TV, Jamir Ssekagya and Annet from UBC, and Salt Media’s Yasin Oyo, Gabriel Owola, Isaac Kyagambiddwa (driver), and Robert Mutebi.
Additional victims include Brian Ssenkumba (Channel 44 TV), Solomon Male (Delta TV), David Mwesigwa (Galaxy TV), James Kamali (Radio Simba), Moses Waisswa (Busoga One), and Yasin Kikoygo.
UJA also highlighted earlier incidents, such as the detention of Kingdom TV’s Musa Sewankambo and Eagle Online’s Richard Wanambwa between December 2024 and February 2025.
Journalists were also assaulted on February 26 during the nomination process for the by-election, and further attacks were reported on March 4 and 5 at Wandegeya Police Station.
In response to the repeated violence, several journalist bodies have announced an immediate boycott of all activities involving the police and the UPDF.
On March 13, multiple journalists were either beaten or arrested by UPDF soldiers while covering the by-election. Many had their equipment broken or confiscated.
Some, such as Francis Isano (NBS TV), have been hospitalised, while others, including Abubaker Lubowa and Raymond Tamale (Nation Media Group), were released bearing visible signs of torture.