The Nation Media Group (NMG) and Next Media, two of the leading media organizations in Uganda have withdrawn their journalists from Kawempe North citing safety concerns.
In a post on X, Daniel Kalinaki the General Manager (Editorial) at NMG (U) said they were concerned about the increasing attacks on their journalists by security personnel.
“We have taken the difficult decision to temporarily withdraw our journalists from covering the Kawempe North by-election for their safety because they are being targeted and attacked by armed soldiers and undercover security operatives,” Kalinaki wrote.
Four journalists from NMG; Hasifa Nanvuma, Raymond Tamale, Abubaker Lubowa, and Dennis Kabugo were assaulted and whisked away in a drone vehicle.
NBS TV’s Francis Isano, Hakim Wampamba, and Hassan Wasswa, too, faced the wrath of masked security men.
In a video, Canary Mugume, a senior reporter at NBS TV, was almost whipped by a masked UPDF personnel traveling on a motorcycle.
Thereafter, Mugume wrote: “Our teams are being evacuated from the field, with injuries, and missing & broken equipment. Most of them are in pain, and will be hospitalized.”
The situation in Kawempe North remains tense with security personnel patrolling the place. Several voters have shied away from polling stations fearing for the life.
