Campaign launched to save cop-beaten journalist

Ugandan journalists have launched a campaign to help fellow journalist Andrew Lwanga who was beaten by a senior police officer in the line of duty early last year.

Lwanga, a WBS TV reporter, requires $55,000 (about sh191m) for an operation on his spine in the US.

He sustained several injuries on January 12, 2015 when Old Kampala District Police Commander Joram Mwesigye attacked him as he covered a demonstration by unemployed youth.

"We need $55,000 which includes medical bills, feeding, ticket fares and upkeep for 21 days in the USA. We are supposed to fly on March 8 this year," said Kerry Mawejje, a colleague and digital rights activist.

Mawejje says Lwanga cannot walk by himself. He stays in Muyenga with his mother and brother.

"We are calling upon all journalists and well-wishers to help us save a friend because he badly needs the surgery."

Former DPC of Old Kampala, Joram Mwesigye, appearing before court to answer charges of assaulting journalist Lwanga at Buganda road Magistrates on January 14, 2016

An account number 1035100839726 under the names of Andrew Lwanga Kisegerwa has been opened in Equity Bank where well-wishers can deposit their monetary contributions.

You can also send any financial assistance via mobile money on numbers: +256 786202674 or +256752438452.

The campaign is also running on social media under the hashtag #‎SaveAndrew on Twitter.



The details of diagnosis and due operation required:


Diagnosis
 
1. Posterior disc protrusions with disc degeneration at L4-L5 and L5 -S1 discs.
2. Lumbar muscle spasms.
 
Procedures
 
1. Diskectomy of lumbosacral with spinal fusion or ( L4 - L5 ) and  ( L5 - S1 ).
2. Interbody fusions (e.g Axial LIF )