Women journalists condemn minister Byandala's act

The Uganda Media Women Association (UMWA) has in the strongest terms condemned the humiliating act committed by the minister without portfolio Abraham, Byandala, against Judith Nalugwa, a female Bukedde TV journalist.

On Wednesday afternoon, after a session at the Anti-Corruption Court, the Katikamu North County MP punched Nalugwa in the lower abdomen, for filming him against his wish.

A footage, that has riled the public countrywide, showed Byandala, as he left court; he espied Nalugwa filming him and walked close to her and appeared to whisper something in her ear, but tactfully punched her in the lower abdomen, leaving her perplexed.

In a press statement released by executive director, UMWA, Margaret Sentamu Masagazi, she said it is very disheartening for a government official to use their position of authority to assault others.

She further said that every day, journalists, more so, female journalists work in fear due to the numerous abuses they encounter in their daily work. Cases of harassment of journalists is on the increase with the recent one being of Remmy Bahati of NBS TV that was assaulted by the police.

"We the members of UMWA, we strongly condemn the acts of injustices committed against journalists both male and females with the recent one committed against Nalugwa by Engineer Byandala. While we are sympathizing with her, and other journalists that have been assaulted in the line of duty," she said

Adding; "We urge government to scrutinize those they intend to give government roles and ascertain that they are leaders who are able to manage stress/anger while under duress.

"We think that engineer Byandala should have played it cool, knowing that Nalugwa and other journalists were playing their rightful duty, though this can sometimes be stressful to those being pursued," she said.

Byandala is battling court cases for alleged corruption while still works and transport minister. He is accused of causing loss of more than sh24b meant for construction of the Mukono-Katosi road.

Meanwhile, Nalugwa with the assistance of Vision Group wants to pursue a criminal case against Byandala. Citing assault, she has since recorded a statement at Jinja Road Police Station and received medical examination from the police medical department.