NRM’s Nambi Demands Probe into Attack on Journalists

Nambi made these remarks during her visit to NBS journalist Francis Isano, who is still hospitalised after being assaulted while covering election events in Kawempe North.

Faridah Nambi, the NRM candidate in the recent Kawempe North by-election, has called for a thorough investigation into the assaults on journalists during the electoral process.

Her appeal follows a series of incidents where media personnel were targeted while covering the election.

“Security forces should conduct a thorough investigation and ensure that those responsible for assaulting journalists are held accountable,” Nambi said.

She expressed concern over the violence directed at journalists, emphasizing the need to protect press freedom and allow journalists to work without fear of intimidation.

Nambi made these remarks during her visit to NBS journalist Francis Isano, who is still hospitalised after being assaulted while covering election events in Kawempe North.

“I stand with all journalists who have been attacked, and I believe it is crucial that justice is served for those who were assaulted,” Nambi added.

The Kawempe North by-election was marred by multiple reports of violence against journalists.

On March 12, Steven Kibwika, a Spark TV (Nation Media Group Uganda) cameraman was assaulted by security operatives while investigating allegations of ballot pre-ticking in Nameere, Kawempe North.

In a separate incident, NMG journalists Abubaker Lubowa, Dennis Kabugo, and Raymond Tamale were arrested and detained by unknown security operatives while covering the election.

They were released after several hours, during which they were reportedly beaten.

The violence extended to other media houses as well. Journalists from NBS TV, including Francis Isano, were among those assaulted, arrested, and transported in a drone vehicle by security operatives.

David Ijjo of NTV and Hassan Wasswa of NBS TV also faced similar treatment, with their equipment damaged or confiscated.

These incidents have raised significant concerns within the media fraternity. Joint organizations advocating for journalists’ rights have announced a boycott of all security agency-related activities in response to the violence.

They argue that such actions aim to prevent journalists from documenting events, particularly those involving excessive force against civilians.

The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) have acknowledged the allegations of violence against journalists by their personnel during the by-election.

However, they have not provided detailed information regarding the investigations into these incidents.

Faridah Nambi’s call for an investigation underscores the importance of safeguarding press freedom and ensuring that journalists can operate without fear of violence or intimidation.