The Coalition for Grassroots Media and Information Literacy (COGMIL) in Uganda has strongly condemned the brutal assault, harassment, and arbitrary detention of journalists covering the by-election in the Kawempe North Constituency on March 13, 2025.
Several reporters were reportedly targeted, facing violent attacks and arrests by security operatives, with some requiring hospitalization. Media outlets, including Nation Media Group (NMG), Next Media, and BBS Television, were forced to withdraw their field reporters due to safety concerns.
In a statement on Friday, COGMIL called on citizens to recognize and support the vital role of journalists in safeguarding democracy, truth, and justice. Ms. Catherine Apalat, the coalition’s Secretary General, urged the government and stakeholders to respect media rights and ensure a free press.
Furthermore, COGMIL is advocating for enhanced media literacy among government agencies and the public to foster a better understanding of journalism’s essential role. “We stand in solidarity with journalists and media practitioners who were victims of violence, as well as media houses that withdrew their teams due to the assaults,” said Ms. Apalat.
COGMIL is urging authorities to investigate and hold those responsible accountable.
This statement comes amid growing concerns about violence against journalists worldwide. According to Media Defence, journalists regularly face violence for carrying out their work, which not only harms them physically but also causes lasting psychological distress.
The global community has also condemned the attacks, with at least eight journalists from major media houses reportedly beaten by security personnel during the election.
The European Union Delegation in Uganda expressed deep concern over the excessive force used against journalists, emphasizing the fundamental role of independent media in democratic societies.
“Independent media is a cornerstone of democracy. During elections, the work of journalists is more important than ever,” the EU delegation stated.
The affected journalists include: Hakim Wampamba (NTV Uganda), Hassan Wasswa (NBS TV), Francis Ijjo (NBS TV), Hanifa Nanvuma (Nation Media Group), Steven Kibwika (Nation Media Group), Ibrahim Miracle (Top TV), Thomas Kitimbo (NBS TV)
Chapter Four Uganda and the African Centre for Media Excellence (ACME) also condemned the attacks, warning that they undermine press freedom and civic participation in Uganda’s democratic process.
However, the Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) has pledged to investigate the incidents, acknowledging that such actions create unnecessary tension between security forces and the media.
The UPDF’s acting spokesperson, Col. Chris Magezi, assured journalists that the UPDF values its relationship with the press and would take disciplinary action if wrongdoing is found.
The violence in Kawempe has raised concerns ahead of Uganda’s 2026 general elections, with fears that similar repression could escalate. Both Chapter Four Uganda and ACME have called on the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) and the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to investigate the attacks and prosecute those responsible.
In response to the violence, journalists announced on Thursday that they would boycott all security agency-related activities.
This collective decision was made by various journalist associations, including the Uganda Parliamentary Press Association (UPPA), Uganda Sports Press Association (USPA), and Uganda Journalists Association (UJA).
The boycott serves as a protest against the continued harassment and intimidation of journalists by security forces. Journalists are demanding respect for their safety and rights, which have been repeatedly violated.
Additionally, they are calling for compensation for injured journalists, damaged equipment, and lost property.
