Nation Media Group, Next Media withdraw journalists from Kawempe North by-election over brutality
The withdrawal of journalists from these leading media houses comes amid growing concerns over press freedom and safety, with heavy military deployment and security operatives targeting reporters covering the election.
Nation Media Group (NMG) and Next Media have temporarily withdrawn their journalists from covering the Kawempe North by-election, citing brutality and inhumane treatment by security forces.
NMG, the publishers of Daily Monitor and owners of NTV Uganda, announced the decision after several of its journalists faced violent attacks while covering the election.
Abubaker Lubowa, Dennis Kabugo, and Raymond Tamale were earlier reported missing, with the media house suspecting they had been arrested by security personnel.
Similarly, Next Media, which operates NBS TV, also withdrew its reporters following reports of assaults, confiscation of equipment, and arrests of media personnel.
In a statement issued on Thursday, March 13, 2025, NBS TV strongly condemned the assault, arrest, and intimidation of its journalists during the election coverage.
The media house revealed that its team Francis Isano, Hassan Wasswa, and Hakim Wampamba was deliberately targeted by security personnel while performing their journalistic duties.
The statement further highlighted that Isano, a photojournalist, sustained injuries from a brutal assault and was hospitalized.
NBS TV also reported that some journalists were physically attacked, while others from different media houses were arrested and taken away in an unmarked drone vehicle.
NBS TV demanded the immediate and unconditional release of detained journalists, the return of confiscated equipment, and urgent medical attention for those who were assaulted.
NBS TV called on the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), Uganda Police Force, and Electoral Commission to explain their actions and ensure those responsible are held accountable.
The station also urged the Uganda Human Rights Commission and media rights organizations to take urgent action in protecting journalists.
Despite the withdrawal, NBS TV reaffirmed its commitment to factual, balanced, and courageous journalism, vowing not to be silenced.
Growing Concerns Over Press Freedom
The withdrawal of journalists from these leading media houses comes amid growing concerns over press freedom and safety, with heavy military deployment and security operatives targeting reporters covering the election.
Both Nation Media Group and Next Media have emphasized that the safety of their journalists is a priority and called for authorities to respect media rights.
Press freedom organizations and human rights defenders have condemned the attacks, warning that such actions undermine democracy and the credibility of the electoral process.
