The Uganda Journalists Association (UJA) has strongly condemned the brutal assault of senior NTV Uganda journalist Steven Mbidde, who was attacked by police officers with utter impunity at Wandegeya Police Station while on duty. The UJA describes the attack as “shameless” and “ruthless,” with Mbidde becoming the latest victim in a disturbing pattern of violence against journalists.
This attack occurred just days after a similar incident involving journalist Miracle Ibra from Top TV, who was severely injured by police officers from the Joint Anti-Terrorism Task Force (JAT). Ibra sustained significant damage to his skull and eye and is currently hospitalized due to the brutal assault. Additionally, Steven Kibwiika from Spark TV was violently attacked by security personnel on Monday in Kawempe during a rally for Elias Luyimbazi Nalukoola, the National Unity Platform (NUP) candidate for Kawempe North.
The UJA has called for widespread protests against these serious crimes, urging both journalists and the general public to stand in solidarity and strongly condemn such acts of violence. The association is committed to addressing the increasing number of attacks on journalists and assures the public that a full statement will be issued once their teams on the ground have completed their assessment of the situation.
“Violence and impunity on journalists by security personnel is illegal and a blatant violation of the fundamental human rights and press freedom!!” UJA Secretary General Emmanuel Kirunda said.
This alarming trend of impunity against media workers has sparked outrage within Uganda’s press community, with many calling for greater protection of journalists who risk their lives daily to report the truth.
“Our own news reporter, Steven Mbidde, was seen being attacked by men in uniform earlier this morning as he attempted to speak to David Lewis Rubongoya at Wandegeya Police Station, where some of the arrested NUP supporters were being held after yesterday’s raid.” Posted NTV Uganda on their official social media platforms.
