The brutal attack on journalists covering the Kawempe by-election has unexpectedly become a turning point for Uganda’s media fraternity, fostering unprecedented unity among media houses that have long been rivals.
For the first time, major media outlets including NTV, NBS, Spark TV, BBS, and Top TV, Salt TV set aside their competition to collectively condemn the violence meted out by security operatives.
The assault, which targeted journalists from different media houses, saw reporters beaten, abducted, and their equipment destroyed.
In a rare show of solidarity, NBS hosted NTV journalist David IJo, who recounted his harrowing experience and how his colleagues were brutally attacked.
Similarly, NTV hosted NBS journalist Hakim Wampamba, who nearly broke down on air as he described the ordeal.
Capital FM also hosted Hakim Wampamba on their renowned Capital Gang show, where he narrated how he had to jump onto a boda boda to escape the attack.
Wampamba, who himself sustained injuries, revealed that security personnel specifically targeted those wearing press jackets and carrying media identification.
This attack has drawn an outcry from media organizations, with senior media executives openly condemning the security forces’ actions something that has not been common in the past.
In an unprecedented move, several media houses withdrew their reporters from the field, prioritizing their safety over coverage.
Journalists who survived the attack believe the assault was planned, as security personnel seemed to focus only on those visibly identified as members of the press.
“Wearing a press jacket was like inviting a beating,” Wampamba stated during an NTV broadcast.
In response, journalist associations including the African Centre for Media Excellence (ACME), Human Rights Network for Journalists (HRNJ), Uganda Journalists Association (UJA), Uganda Parliament Press Association (UPPA), and Uganda Sports Press Association (USPA) held an emergency press conference.
They strongly condemned the attacks and threatened to boycott electoral commission activities and security-related events unless journalists’ safety was guaranteed.
The victims of the attack on journalists are currently receiving treatment.
