The Uganda Journalists Association (UJA) has condemned the violent attack on Top TV journalist Miracle Ibrah by security operatives.
The incident occurred on Wednesday afternoon while Ibrah was covering the nomination of National Unity Platform (NUP) candidate Elias Nalukoola Luyimbazi for the Kawempe North parliamentary seat at the Electoral Commission (EC) offices in Kawempe Mbogo.
According to reports, Ibrah was struck with an explosive device by security officers after Nalukoola was initially blocked from accessing the EC offices.
“We are deeply disturbed by the brutal attack on one of our own, Miracle Ibrah, who was violently hit with an explosive device by security personnel while carrying out his professional duties,” UJA said in a statement.
The association further expressed shock that Ibrah, who was clearly identifiable in a Top TV-branded jacket, was still deliberately targeted.
“We strongly condemn these acts of impunity by security personnel, whose mandate is to ensure the protection of all citizens, including journalists,” the statement added.
UJA noted that it is currently assessing the situation and will announce its next steps in due course.
Meanwhile, NUP leader Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, described the attack as “barbaric” and accused security forces of intentionally targeting journalists.
“This is the state of Top TV journalist Miracle Ibrah, who was violently attacked by JAT operatives while covering the nomination of comrade Nalukoola Luyimbazi. The criminal regime has completely gone mad!” Kyagulanyi said.
Ibrah is reported to have sustained injuries during the attack, although details about his current condition remain unclear.
Efforts to obtain comments from police and security authorities were still ongoing by press time.
Kyagulanyi further urged media organizations, human rights bodies, and the international community to hold the government accountable for what he described as escalating violations against press freedom.
The EC began the two-day nomination exercise on Wednesday, February 26, running through Thursday, February 27, at its Kawempe offices near Akamwesi Mall along Gayaza Road.
The Kawempe North parliamentary seat became vacant following the death of Muhammad Ssegirinya on January 9, 2025, after weeks of hospitalization.
Additionally, the Kazo-Angola councillor position fell vacant after Yusuf Yakubu Kiggundu died in a 2022 road accident while campaigning for an NUP candidate in Omoro District.
The Electoral Commission has scheduled the by-election for March 13, 2025.