The Uganda Parliamentary Press Association (UPPA) has called for an immediate investigation into the attack and injury of TOP Television journalist Ibrahim Miracle while covering the nomination of Kawempe North by-election candidates on Wednesday.
In a statement issued by the UPPA President, Sam Ibanda Mugabi, the Association describes the attack as senseless violence, which is a clear violation of press freedom and a blatant disregard for the safety of journalists who play an indispensable role in Uganda’s democratic process and nation building.
“The highly dreadful incident happened on Wednesday, 26th February 2025, as he covered the nomination of National Unity Platform (NUP) candidate Elias Nalukoola Luyimbazi for the Kawempe North parliamentary by-election. We urge the security forces to respect the rights of journalists covering this ongoing by-election, future elections plus other activities as and when they happen,” reads part of the statement.
UPPA also called upon the government to ensure that journalists are accorded an enabling environment in which they can perform their duties without fear of intimidation or violence.
The statement follows demands from a section of Members of Parliament who on Thursday, demanded that action be taken against security personnel who attacked Ibrahim Miracle.
Joel Ssenyonyi, the Leader of the Opposition, said that the journalist was assaulted by individuals believed to be members of the Joint Anti-Terrorism Taskforce (JATF).
“His eye was shattered, and bones around his face were broken. Doctors are uncertain whether he will regain his vision,” Ssenyonyi said.
Charles Onen, the Laroo-Pece Division MP, decried the increasing attacks on journalists, urging leaders to uphold the rule of law.
“Uganda is bleeding. Instead of acknowledging wrongs, we justify them. It is time to defend human rights and stop the culture of impunity,” he said.
Ibrahim Ssemujju, the Kira Municipality MP, reiterated the challenge of deployment of JATF to deal with issues of elections, which is not terrorism.
“Since when did elections become terrorism that you must deploy JATF? The Leader of Opposition singled out the journalist, but the biggest issue is deploying JAT to deal with elections, that is what you must answer as government,” he said.
The Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among, condemned the attack, describing it as “very unfortunate.” She directed the Minister of State for Trade, David Bahati, to investigate and provide a report on the incident.
“No one is above the law. We must establish who was responsible for this brutality and ensure they are held accountable,” she said.
Minister Bahati pledged that the government would follow up on the matter, noting that security agencies are meant to protect citizens, not harm them.