Didas Mugisha School director beats up journalists

Two reporters from Bukedde Television, Mr. Musanje Robert and Mr. Serwanga Daniel, were violently assaulted on August 28, 2024. Their assailant, Mr. Didas Mugisha Nguma, the director of Junius Primary School in Nansana municipality, Wakiso district, is now a fugitive, with police in Matugga and Kasangati in hot pursuit.

The journalists had visited Junius Primary School to interview Mr. Mugisha about allegations of unpaid salaries to his teachers, a matter that had escalated to the point where teachers were being expelled for demanding their dues. This incident is not just a shocking attack on the individual journalists but also a grim reflection of the broader environment in which media professionals operate in Uganda.

Uganda’s press freedom has been on a steep decline in recent years, with journalists increasingly becoming targets of violence, harassment, and intimidation. The assault on Mr. Musanje and Mr. Serwanga is the latest in a series of attacks that underscore the dangerous conditions under which Ugandan journalists are forced to work.

According to a report by the Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda (HRNJ-Uganda), over 120 journalists were assaulted in Uganda in 2023 alone. This marked a significant increase from the 86 reported cases in 2022, and the trend shows no signs of abating. These statistics paint a bleak picture of the state of press freedom in a country that claims to uphold democratic values.

The assault on journalists is not limited to isolated incidents. It is part of a broader, systematic attack on the press by various actors, including security forces, government officials, and private individuals. The Uganda Police Force has been implicated in numerous cases of violence against journalists, particularly during the 2021 general elections, when several reporters were beaten, detained, and had their equipment confiscated while covering protests and political rallies.

The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has also played a role in stifling press freedom by imposing restrictive regulations on media houses, leading to the suspension of journalists and the closure of media outlets that are deemed critical of the government. These actions have created a climate of fear among journalists, many of whom now practice self-censorship to avoid repercussions.

The events at Junius Primary School exemplify the challenges faced by journalists in Uganda. When the school’s head teacher, Mr. Asiimwe Gideon, and his colleague, Mr. Ashaba Ahebwa, reported the non-payment of salaries to the authorities, they likely hoped for a resolution to their plight. Instead, they were met with expulsion, and the journalists who attempted to bring their story to light were met with violence.

The fact that Mr. Mugisha is currently on the run, while his wife Jennifer is being detained by police, only adds to the complexity of the situation. It raises questions about the willingness and ability of the authorities to protect journalists and hold perpetrators accountable.

The Ugandan government, led by President Yoweri Museveni, has been accused of turning a blind eye to the increasing violence against journalists. Critics argue that the government’s silence on these matters is tantamount to complicity, as it sends a message that such actions will be tolerated or even encouraged.

In 2022, Uganda was ranked 132nd out of 180 countries in the World Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), a clear indication of the deteriorating state of press freedom in the country. The government’s failure to address the growing violence against journalists has only served to embolden those who seek to silence the press.

The assault on journalists like Mr. Musanje and Mr. Serwanga is not just an attack on individuals; it is an attack on the very foundation of democracy. A free and independent press is essential for holding those in power accountable and for ensuring that the voices of the marginalized are heard.

To reverse the current trend, the Ugandan government must take immediate and concrete steps to protect journalists. This includes investigating and prosecuting those responsible for violence against journalists, repealing restrictive laws and regulations that stifle press freedom, and promoting a culture of respect for the role of the media in a democratic society.

The international community also has a role to play by holding the Ugandan government accountable for its actions and by supporting local journalists and media organizations in their fight for press freedom.

The assault on journalists at Junius Primary School is a stark reminder of the dangers faced by media professionals in Uganda. As the country continues to grapple with issues of governance and human rights, the protection of journalists must be prioritized. Without a free press, the prospects for democracy and accountability in Uganda remain bleak. It is time for the Ugandan government to take a stand against the violence and intimidation of journalists and to uphold the principles of press freedom and democracy.