A vicious and barbaric attack on journalists at the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) headquarters in Najjanankumbi has been strongly condemned by members of the media. The incident occurred on Thursday when unidentified individuals, described as “goons,” targeted journalists who were present to cover a press briefing by the party chairman, Wasswa Birigwa. The attackers assaulted the journalists mercilessly, causing damage to their equipment and stealing some of their phones during the chaos.
Abubaker Lubowa, speaking on behalf of the journalism community, expressed deep concern about the attack, stating that it is an assault not just on the journalists involved but also on the entire journalism fraternity in the country. He emphasized that such acts of violence against journalists should never be considered as part of the hazards of their profession, but rather treated as crimes against journalism and press freedom. Lubowa called for collective support in promoting the safety of journalists and ensuring that those who attack them face justice.
Gabriel Buule, another journalist, demanded accountability from FDC officials for orchestrating the brutal attack. He urged the FDC to take responsibility for the actions of those present at the party headquarters during the incident. Buule insisted that those responsible for ordering and carrying out the assault should be apprehended by the authorities. To further pressure for accountability, he suggested that journalists boycott covering functions at FDC headquarters until the demands for a comprehensive apology and explanation from the FDC leadership are met.
The incident has also caused internal divisions within the FDC, with party spokesperson Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda blaming the party’s Secretary General, Nandala Mafabi, and the President, Patrick Amuriat, for the violence against journalists. According to Nganda, an order was given to prevent the FDC chairman from holding a press conference at the party headquarters, and individuals hired to carry out the attack were allegedly paid by Nandala. However, Nandala Mafabi offered an apology and pledged to conduct a thorough investigation to identify and bring the culprits to justice.
This distressing incident highlights the growing tension within the once prominent opposition political party in the country. As journalists seek to promote press freedom and the safety of media personnel, they call upon the public to join them in protecting journalists from violence, threats, and harassment while they carry out their vital duties.
