Security forces have violently attacked and arrested journalists covering the Kawempe North by-election, raising serious concerns over press freedom and electoral transparency.
Several journalists, including Abubaker Lubowa, Raymond Tamale, Denis Kabugo, Francis Isano, and Hakim Wampamba, were detained by armed soldiers and undercover security operatives. They were forced into unmarked vans, commonly referred to as “drones,” and taken to unknown locations.
The crackdown escalated as military and police personnel, deployed heavily in the area, targeted members of the press trying to document the election process.
Canary Mugume of NBS TV reported that security forces confiscated cameras and assaulted videographer Hassan Wasswa, leaving him in need of medical attention.
Alongside the attacks on journalists, security operatives also arrested two opposition MPs Geofrey Kayemba Ssolo (Bukomansimbi South) and Hillary Kiyaga (Mawokota North) both affiliated with the National Unity Platform (NUP). The reason for their arrest remains unclear.
In response to the escalating violence, NBS TV, Nation Media have temporarily withdrawn their journalists from covering the Kawempe North by-election.
The media houses cited targeted attacks by armed soldiers and undercover security operatives, stating that the decision was made to ensure the safety of their reporters.
The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) has condemned the violence, warning that such actions undermine press freedom and democracy.
Journalists’ rights groups have called for the immediate release of the detained reporters and urged authorities to ensure media safety during elections.
With heavily armed security personnel, armored vehicles, and plainclothes operatives patrolling polling stations, fear and intimidation have gripped the electorate. Observers and human rights organizations are raising alarm over the increasing restrictions on press freedoms in Uganda.
The fate of the detained journalists remains uncertain as pressure mounts on authorities to respect media rights and ensure a free and fair electoral process.
