The Uganda Parliamentary Press Association (UPPA) has called for an immediate investigation into the attack on TOP TV journalist Ibrahim Miracle, who was injured while covering the nomination of candidates for the Kawempe North by-election on Wednesday.
In a statement, UPPA president Sam Ibanda Mugabi condemned the assault as “senseless violence,” describing it as a clear violation of press freedom and a blatant disregard for journalists’ safety.
“The highly dreadful incident occurred on February 26, 2025, as Miracle covered the nomination of National Unity Platform (NUP) candidate Elias Nalukoola Luyimbazi. We urge security forces to respect the rights of journalists covering this and future elections,” the statement read.
UPPA further urged the government to create an environment where journalists can operate without fear of violence or intimidation. Their call followed demands from several members of parliament on Thursday, who insisted that action be taken against the security personnel responsible for the attack.
Leader of the Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi said the journalist was assaulted by individuals believed to be from 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, MP for Laroo-Pece Division, decried the increasing attacks on journalists, calling for 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.
Kira Municipality MP Ibrahim Ssemujju questioned the deployment of JATF to handle electoral matters.
“Since when did elections become terrorism that requires JATF deployment? The government must answer that,” he said.
Speaker of Parliament Anita Among condemned the attack, calling it “very unfortunate.” She instructed 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 hold them accountable,” she said.
Minister Bahati pledged government follow-up, emphasizing that security agencies are meant to protect citizens, not harm them.
Now this is the abject stupidity that Uganda is grappling with. Those who cant see, or refuse to see, you will one day see when a faceless thug turns on you.
The govt came to power after killing innocent people, so they in govt see elections terrorism, the head JATT is Christopher Ddamulira, we hear he is the one who oversaw the murder Cypirian kizito Lwanga, Gilbert Bukenya the son of former VP, Noble Mayombo, Aronda, etc etc… the list is long
Why are the authorities always finding faults with NUP as a whole including the leaders and supporters? is it that you are scared of their stronghold and the love and popularity from the disgruntled population because of your inept governance and all the evils you are carrying out? Whatever you claim they are doing is fruitless. The people know the truth apart from the puppets you are buying