ACME condemns security attacks on journalists covering Kawempe North by-election
Dr. George Lugalambi, ACME’s executive director, condemned the attacks, stating, “The unrestrained conduct of security agents is a blatant attack on independent journalism, endangers legitimate civic participation, and undermines access to crucial election information.”
Journalists covering the Kawempe North by-election in Uganda have increasingly come under attack by security operatives, raising serious concerns about press freedom and safety. The African Centre for Media Excellence (ACME) has strongly condemned these assaults, calling them a clear violation of media rights.
The latest incident occurred on March 13, 2025, when three journalists—Hasifah Nanvuma (Nation Media Group), Hassan Wasswa, and Francis Ijjo (both from NBS)—were beaten and injured while covering the polls. This brings the total number of journalists attacked during the by-election to seven.
Earlier incidents include the assault of Steven Kibwika (Nation Media Group) and Thomas Kitimbo (NBS TV) on March 12, as well as the beating of Ibrahim Miracle (Top TV) by Joint Anti-Terrorism Unit operatives on February 26.
Dr. George Lugalambi, ACME’s executive director, condemned the attacks, stating, “The unrestrained conduct of security agents is a blatant attack on independent journalism, endangers legitimate civic participation, and undermines access to crucial election information.”
ACME has called on security agencies to uphold their duty to maintain law and order while ensuring the safety of journalists and all individuals involved in political and civic activities. The organization emphasized the need for security officers to follow standard procedures, be held accountable, and actively protect journalists from harm.
There are also growing concerns about efforts to conceal these attacks, with reports of security operatives confiscating cameras, deleting footage, and wearing masks to obscure their identities—despite a directive from the Minister of State for Internal Affairs requiring security personnel to be identifiable while on duty.
With Uganda’s 2026 general elections on the horizon, ACME’s statement serves as a warning about the growing threats to press freedom and the urgent need to safeguard journalists in the country.
