Top TV journalist Miracle Ibrah was violently attacked by security personnel on Wednesday afternoon while covering the nomination of National Unity Platform (NUP) candidate Elias Nalukoola Luyimbazi for the Kawempe North parliamentary by-election.
According to reports, Ibrah was struck by an explosive device thrown by security officers on site after Nalukoola was initially blocked from entering the Electoral Commission (EC) offices in Kawempe Mbogo. The attack has sparked outrage among journalists, human rights activists, and opposition leaders.
In a statement, the Uganda Journalists Association (UJA) strongly condemned the assault, saying: “We are appalled by the violent attack on our colleague, Miracle Ibrah, who was injured while performing his journalistic duties. Security forces must protect, not target, members of the press.” The association further emphasized that Ibrah, who was clearly identifiable in a Top TV-branded jacket, was deliberately targeted despite his press credentials.
NUP leader Robert Kyagulanyi, widely known as Bobi Wine, described the attack as “barbaric,” accusing security forces of deliberately suppressing press freedom. “This is the state of Top TV journalist Miracle Ibrah, who was viciously attacked by JAT operatives while covering the nomination of comrade Nalukoola Luyimbazi. This criminal regime has lost all sense of control!” he stated.
Although details about Ibrah’s condition remain unclear, sources indicate that he sustained injuries and required medical attention. By press time, efforts to obtain a response from police and security authorities remained unsuccessful.
Kyagulanyi has called on media organizations, human rights groups, and the international community to hold the Ugandan government accountable for its increasing violations against press freedom.
The Electoral Commission began the two-day nomination process for the Kawempe North by-election on February 26, with elections scheduled for March 13, 2025. The seat fell vacant following the death of MP Muhammad Ssegirinya on January 9, 2025, after a prolonged illness.
