We Are Ready To Beat Up Journalists Today, UPDF Spokesman Felix Kulayigye Reveals

As Uganda braces for the upcoming protest on July 23, 2024, tensions are mounting, and the demand for the resignation of Speaker of Parliament Anitah Among is gaining momentum. Organized by opposition groups and civil society organizations, this protest aims to address a range of issues, including human rights abuses, corruption, and the erosion of democratic freedoms. Amid rising public discontent, the upcoming demonstration represents a critical moment in Uganda’s political landscape.

In a startling statement, Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) Spokesman Brigadier General Felix Kulayigye has issued a stern warning to journalists covering riots and demonstrations. His remarks,  have sparked widespread controversy and concern regarding the safety of media personnel in Uganda. The General’s unapologetic stance on the use of force against journalists has raised serious questions about press freedom and the protection of human rights in the country. as

According to recent statistics, Uganda has witnessed a significant increase in reported cases of violence and human rights abuses perpetrated by security forces. Data compiled by human rights organizations reveals:

• Police Brutality: In the past year alone, there have been over 1,200 reported cases of police brutality against civilians. This includes beatings, arbitrary arrests, and excessive use of force during protests.
• Military Involvement: The UPDF has been implicated in at least 500 incidents involving the use of excessive force, leading to severe injuries and, in some cases, fatalities.
• Journalist Attacks: At least 100 journalists have reported being attacked, harassed, or detained while covering demonstrations or sensitive political events.

, Brig Gen Kulayigye explicitly states that journalists who position themselves among protesters during riots should expect to be treated as part of the riot. He asserts that police and military forces will not distinguish between rioters and journalists in such scenarios.

“If you are standing with the police and you are beaten, come to me. I will deal with that officer who beat you. But if you are standing with the rioters and they beat you, they will. And I have no apology to make,” Kulayigye said.

He further justifies his stance by referencing historical and international contexts, suggesting that severe measures are necessary to maintain national security.

These statements have been met with outrage from media organizations and human rights advocates. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has condemned the remarks, emphasizing that such rhetoric endangers journalists and undermines press freedom. The CPJ’s Africa Program Coordinator, Angela Quintal, stated:

“Brig Gen Kulayigye’s comments are deeply troubling. They legitimize violence against journalists and set a dangerous precedent for the treatment of the press in Uganda.”

The situation in Uganda is part of a broader pattern of increasing state-sponsored violence and human rights abuses. Reports from Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch highlight numerous instances where security forces have used excessive force to suppress dissent and intimidate activists and journalists.

• • In November 2020, during the protests following the arrest of opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine), over 50 people were killed, and hundreds were injured due to police and military actions.
  • In a recent incident, a journalist covering a demonstration in Kampala was severely beaten by police officers and had his equipment confiscated. Despite clear identification as press, he was treated as a rioter.

The international community, along with local civil society organizations, must urgently address these escalating violations. There is a need for:

• Stronger Protections for Journalists: Enforcing legal frameworks that protect journalists and ensure accountability for abuses against the press.
• Human Rights Oversight: Establishing independent bodies to investigate and report on human rights violations by security forces.
• Global Pressure: Encouraging international bodies and foreign governments to hold Uganda accountable for its human rights record.

Brig Gen Felix Kulayigye’s statements are a grim reflection of the current climate in Uganda, where state security forces operate with impunity, and press freedom is under severe threat. It is imperative for both national and international stakeholders to act decisively to safeguard human rights and uphold the principles of democracy and free expression.