To uphold the role of journalists, the Inspector General of Police Martin Ochola has said that any attacks against journalists, are unacceptable and must not go unpunished.

In his message to all territorial commanders, Ochola directed that all commanders should act quickly where journalists are threatened and initiate prompt, thorough and transparent investigations, and perpetrators brought to book.

Police Spokesperson Fred Enanga in a statement on World Press Freedom Day quoted Ochola to have explained that press freedom was about the right to receive and impart information, before acknowledging the role journalists and media practitioners play, in providing information to society.

“He added that he was happy about the much-improved relations between the police and the media. For instance, this year alone, there has been a tremendous reduction in the use of teargas as a crowd dispersal method and very few incidents of physical attacks, on journalists and disruption of media workers,” Ochola is quoted to have said .

He said the Police Press and Public Relations, will continue fast-tracking all incidents involving journalists, including citizen journalists and ensure their rights are protected.

“We pledge to continue working with media associations like the Editor’s Guild, HRNJ, UJA, Media Council and UCC to dialogue, in order to avoid friction or clashes between the police, other security agencies and members of the media, especially in times of crisis, electoral periods and during public demonstrations,” Enanga said.

“Therefore, as we celebrate the World Press Freedom Day, the leadership of the Joint Security Agencies, reiterate their commitment to strengthen its relationship with the media. We are going to ensure you are better protected, as you strive to access information,” he added