Summary
Uganda’s HRNJ expresses grave concern over continued attacks on journalists, with 43 cases of assault, gadget confiscations, threats, arrests, and property damage. FDC party accused of targeting reporters. HRNJ gives FDC one week to address the issue before considering legal action. Journalists covering human rights violations, corruption, and political cases are most vulnerable.
The Human Rights Network for Journalists (HRNJ) in Uganda, an organization dedicated to defending the rights of journalists, has taken a stand against the ongoing impunity towards journalists with the assistance of its legal officers.
On Thursday, in Kampala, the Executive Director of HRNJ, Robert Ssempala, disclosed that between January 1, 2023, and July 26, 2023, the organization has recorded a troubling total of 43 cases involving assaults, confiscation of gadgets, threats of violence, arrests, and malicious damage to property against journalists. These incidents were perpetrated by members of the police, army, and community.
Ssempala further highlighted that HRNJ has diligently documented various attacks on journalists, predominantly involving physical assaults, unlawful arrests, detentions, property damage, and threats of violence. Perpetrators of these attacks include both state and non-state actors.
The latest incident, registered on July 20, involved the confiscation of phones belonging to journalists Waiswa Moses, Balikuddenbe Josephs, Katabala Charles Kamya, and Ambabazi Nowamani at the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) offices in Najanankumbi. The suspects, allegedly goons, targeted the journalists while they were covering a press conference organized by the party chairman, ambassador Wasawa Birigwa.
HRNJ expressed surprise and concern that the FDC, a party heavily reliant on media coverage, would turn against journalists by inviting them to cover events only to subject them to physical violence. Additionally, HRNJ expressed disappointment with the party’s leadership for not adequately addressing the matter.
Robert Ssempala emphasized that while HRNJ has always advocated for resorting to legal action in such cases, they are giving the FDC a one-week opportunity to resolve the issue amicably, reach out to the affected journalists, and address the situation properly. If the matter remains unresolved after this period, HRNJ will proceed with legal action.
Ssempala underscored the critical role journalists play in enlightening the public and holding leaders accountable through their watchdog role. Despite their crucial function, Ugandan journalists continue to face threats and physical attacks while covering stories related to human rights violations, corruption, demonstrations, crimes, and political matters, as evidenced by the findings.
In conclusion, HRNJ urges immediate action to protect journalists and ensure their safety while performing their duties in Uganda.
