Kawempe North byelection: ACME condemns attacks on journalists
On Thursday, the byelection turned chaotic when several journalists were assaulted. Among those attacked were Abubaker Lubowa, Denis Kabugo, Raymond Tamale, and Hasifah Nanvuma from Nation Media Group (NMG), as well as Hassan Wasswa and Francis Isano from NBS TV.
Kawempe North byelection: ACME condemns attacks on journalists
By Vision Reporter
Journalists @New Vision
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The African Centre for Media Excellence (ACME) has condemned the violent attacks on journalists covering the Kawempe North byelection, describing the assaults as a blatant attack on press freedom and democratic processes.
On Thursday, the byelection turned chaotic when several journalists were assaulted. Among those attacked were Abubaker Lubowa, Denis Kabugo, Raymond Tamale, and Hasifah Nanvuma from Nation Media Group (NMG), as well as Hassan Wasswa and Francis Isano from NBS TV. The latter two required hospitalisation due to their injuries.
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On March 12, Steven Kibwika of NMG was assaulted while investigating allegations of pre-ticked ballots in Nameere village. Thomas Kitimbo of NBS was also attacked at the same location. Earlier, on February 26, Ibrahim Miracle of Top TV was beaten by Joint Anti-Terrorism Unit operatives, sustaining severe injuries, including damage to his left eye.
ACME executive director of Dr George Lugalambi condemned the attacks, stating, “The unrestrained conduct of security agents is a blatant attack on independent journalism, endangers civic participation, and undermines access to information vital for voters.”
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Lugalambi emphasised that such actions criminalise journalism and must be stopped.
The statement adds, “More unsettling is that there appears to be a premeditated pattern to destroy evidence of this brutality. Kibwika’s camera was confiscated; Miracle was forced to delete the footage he had recorded; Nanvuma’s camera was damaged, while several NBS TV cameras were reportedly confiscated. Moreover, the offending operatives have usually been pictured wearing masks to hide their identity. As pointed out by the Minister of State for Internal Affairs, Gen. David Muhoozi, in Parliament, security officials must always be identifiable while on duty.”
ACME warned that such impunity could foreshadow challenges ahead of Uganda’s 2026 general elections. The organisation urged security agencies to uphold their mandate, ensure officer accountability, and protect journalists during their professional duties.
As concerns grow over journalists’ safety, ACME stressed that safeguarding press freedom is essential for democratic processes and access to information.