By Frank Kamuntu
KAMPALA – The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) has taken a firm stand against what it describes as the continued, targeted brutality of journalists by security forces. In an extraordinary first-ever joint meeting between its Executive Committee (EXCO) and Board of Trustees (BoT) held at Forest Cottages, Naguru, Kampala, NAB resolved to take legal action against key army commanders and the government.
The resolution follows the recently concluded Kawempe North parliamentary by-election, where at least 30 journalists were reportedly assaulted by security personnel while on duty. Notable victims include:
-Stephen Kibuuka(NTV Uganda), who sustained head injuries and abdominal pain after being struck with a blunt object by plain-clothed security operatives.
– Francis Isano (NBS TV), who suffered serious injuries and was hospitalized.
– Abubaker Lubowa and Raymond Tamale (Nation Media Group), who were later released with visible signs of torture.
– Denis Kabugo and David Ijjo (NTV), Everest Mukiibi (Bukedde Radio Embuutikizi), Ruhweza Ibrahim and Isaac Nuwagaba (New Vision), Hakim Wampamba, Hassan Wasswa, Thomas Kitimbo, and Julius Bakabage (NBS TV), among others.
These attacks are not isolated. In previous elections, journalists have faced similar brutality, including:
– Lydia Nabazziwa and Florence Nabukeera (Bukedde FM), who were attacked during the 2011 local elections in Kampala. Nabazziwa suffered a serious ear injury, while Nabukeera developed a clot in her arm.
– Jane Anyango (UBC TV), who was cut on the face and sustained bruises.
– Damba Wiziri (Vision Group), who was assaulted twice while covering the 2018 Sheema Municipality elections, leaving him with throat pain and minor injuries.
Media Boycott on Security Coverage
Kin Kariisa, Chairman of NAB’s Board of Trustees and CEO Next Media services announced that Next Media had already taken steps to halt coverage of all security-related activities, except for those involving other government ministries, departments, and agencies.
“We cannot continue covering people who see us as enemies rather than partners. We have always prioritized security in our reporting, knowing that a stable security environment benefits both individuals and the government. However, when those we prioritize turn their guns against us, we cannot continue covering them,” Kin stated.
Rejection of Kyankwanzi Training Proposal
The meeting also unanimously rejected a proposal by Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba to take journalists and media executives for “training” at the National Leadership Institute (NALI), Kyankwanzi.
“If anyone needs refresher training, it should be the soldiers who indiscriminately maim journalists and brutalize civilians during elections. Some of our colleagues have been left with permanent injuries, including losing their eyesight. Sending the victims for training while the perpetrators walk free is a mockery of the media industry,” said Andrew Irumba, President of INDOJA-U and CEO of TheSpy Uganda.
Seeking Direct Audience with the President
In a bid to resolve tensions between the media and security forces, NAB resolved to seek a direct audience with President Yoweri Museveni.
“We do not want intermediaries speaking on our behalf. We will write to the President requesting a meeting to personally present our grievances. During our last meeting with him, when Frank Tumwebaze was ICT Minister, the President committed to meeting media representatives every six months to discuss national matters. We need to remind him of this commitment,” Dr. Kin added.
Journalist Safety and Welfare
Beyond legal action and engagement with the President, the meeting also addressed the broader welfare and safety of journalists ahead of the 2026 elections. NAB emphasized the need for robust measures to protect media practitioners from further violence while executing their duties.
With tensions escalating between the media and security forces, NAB’s resolutions mark a turning point in the fight for press freedom and journalist safety in Uganda. The coming weeks will determine whether the government and security agencies respond positively to these demands or if the matter will be settled in court.
See Pictorial below
