Journalist injured in Lukwago scuffle out of danger

By Violet nabatanzi

Isaac Kugonza's fears have been allayed after a brain CT-Scan showed his skull was not damaged as earlier claimed on social media.

The Delta TV journalist was caught in the thick of a scuffle as police arrested embattled mayor Eria Lukwago on Monday in Lungujja.  

Distrurbing footage showed Kugonza sprawled on the tarmac, almost motionless, after he was reportedly hit on the head.

Public Relations Officer, Mulago, Enock Kusasira talks to Erias Lukwago during his visit on November 17, 2015. He vowed to bring those responsible for Kugonza's injuries to book. Photo by Ramadhan Abbey  

 

He was rushed to the National Referral Hospital, Mulago where medics have now described his condition as stable.

Mulago hospital's executive director, Dr. Baterana Byarugaba, said that Kungoza, who had been hit by a hard object, was improving and would be discharged soon.

Police spokesperson Fred Enanga also clarified that the victim was hit with a stone.

At the time of the incident Kugonza was catching footage under the security cover of police, before he was caught up in a violent scuffle and injured when a stone hurled at the police by rowdy protesters caught him on the head.

Kugonza, pictured on his hospital bed in Mulago, sustained a swollen eye during the scuffle . Photo by Ramadhan Abbey                              

Enanga said the confrontation between the police and protesters could have been avoided if Erias Lukwago had observed the instructions from the electoral commission that deferred mayoral nominations to a later date.

He said, another female victim, Nyamwiza Molly, 21, is also hospitalized, after sustaining a serious fracture to the leg when she was knocked down by a boda boda rider who was fleeing from the protesters.

"She had visited her elder sister at Nyanama Zone and was injured while proceeding to Kampala, on her way from Hoima," he said.

Enanga said police will remain committed to enforcing law and order, without fear or favour, in respect of all people.

Meanwhile on a visit to Mulago the Lord Mayor of Kampala, Erias Lukwago, vowed to bring to book the perpetrators who injured  Kugonza. He was checking in on Kugonza on 6th floor in the private wing.

Kugonza said although he has improved, he can hardly use his right eye which is swollen.