The Uganda Parliamentary Press Association (UPPA) has condemned the brutal attack on Top TV journalist Miracle Ibra. The journalist was assaulted while covering the conclusion of candidate nominations ahead of the Kawempe North by-election.
Miracle Ibra was reporting on the nomination of National Unity Platform (NUP) candidate Elias Nalukoola Luyimbazi for the parliamentary by-election when the attack occurred.
This incident is part of a troubling pattern of violence against journalists by security forces. During the 2021 election campaigns, several journalists were beaten while covering former presidential candidate Kyagulanyi Ssentamu Robert, popularly known as Bobi Wine, in Lira City.
In the same year, military police and army personnel assaulted multiple journalists as Bobi Wine delivered a petition to the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Kampala. Victims of that attack included Irene Abalo (Daily Monitor), John Cliff Wamala (NTV), Timothy Murungi (New Vision), and Josephine Namakumbi (NBS).
Samuel Ibanda Mugabi, President of the Uganda Parliamentary Press Association, condemned the violence, calling it a clear violation of press freedom and a blatant disregard for the safety of journalists. He emphasized that journalists play a crucial role in Uganda’s democratic process and nation-building.
He urged security forces to respect journalists’ rights, particularly during the ongoing by-election and future electoral events.
“The media is not an enemy of the state but rather a vital component of a healthy democracy. Journalists play a crucial role in holding those in power accountable and providing citizens with accurate information,” he said.
“We demand that the relevant authorities take immediate action to investigate this incident and bring the perpetrators to justice. We also call on the government to ensure that journalists can perform their duties without fear of intimidation or violence,” he said.
