The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) has written to the Minister of Internal Affairs and the Inspector General of Police (IGP) seeking a meeting over the continued assault and brutal attacks on media personnel by the Uganda Police Force.
“As you are aware, media personnel have continued to be subjected to various forms of attacks while on duty including physical assault and harassment,” wrote NAB Chairman, Kin Kariisa.
The protest letters follow an incident in which two Next Media journalists Isano Francis and Thomas Kitimbo were attacked and pepper sprayed during the dispersal of pre-intern doctors who were holding a demonstration around Mulago Guest House Wandegeya on Tuesday.
According to Kariisa, despite previous efforts to address this issue, the situation has not improved and journalists continue to be at risk of harm.
“We are therefore requesting a meeting with you and the relevant parties to discuss this matter and explore possible solutions to ensure the safety and security of media personnel in the country,” he said.
He added: “We believe that it is essential to safeguard the rights of journalists and protect them from harm while on duty, as the media plays a critical role in promoting democracy and ensuring that citizens are informed about the happenings in the country.”
Officer suspended and others summoned
Police later issued a statement saying the “abuse directed at journalists and reporters for simply doing their job can never be justified”.
According to the statement, the officer who acted unprofessionally has been identified as CPL Ogwal Yeeko and although the officer issued an apology to the journalists, he has still been suspended and handed over to the Professional Standards Unit for investigations.
“From the part of the two journalists, it’s crucial that they record their statements with PSU to allow charges to be brought against the officers We have also reached out to the journalists, Next Media and expressed deep regrets over the conduct of our officers. As an organisation, we have a long and proud history with the media, especially crime reporters, whose journalistic work has helped shape our institution and society,” said SCP Enanga Fred, Police Spokesperson.
“And for the last two years, we have had an incident–free working relationship. However, the action of our officers, indicates that there is still work that we must do, to better protect journalists and reporters, so that they can play their part in keeping the public informed without fear or favour. We are going to ensure that they go about their work without being intimidated, attacked or threatened,” added Enanga.
He said police sent out a new administrative circular to all territorial commanders to regularly review their enforcement operations in line with what the public rightly expects from them.
He revealed that the force had taken action against the officers for their failings during their enforcement operations.
They include; ASP Kamulya Sowali, the OC Field Force Unit Kira division, AIP Ogwang John Steven, the OC operations Wandegeya and PC Laker Harriet.
These, he noted, have been summoned by the Professional Standards Unit and are undergoing investigations to the fullest extent.
“Once again, we look forward to working together to ensure that journalists operating within KMP and all other territorial jurisdictions, can continue doing their vital work of informing the public. We know that this trust and confidence had improved in the last two years, and we pledge to provide a better service to reporters and journalists, as we deal with the internal cultures and standards that negatively impact our working relationship.”
