The Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda (HRNJ-Uganda) has condemned the increasing attacks on journalists in Uganda, particularly as the 2026 elections approach.
Speaking at Nsambya Hospital, Robert Ssempala, Executive Director of HRNJ-Uganda, emphasized that the government must take diligent steps to stop the “blatant abuse of journalists’ rights.”
Ssempala made these remarks on February 27, 2025, during a visit with a delegation from the journalists’ rights organization to Top TV journalist Ibrahim Miracle, who was violently assaulted by security operatives on February 26, 2025, while covering the nominations for the Kawempe North by-election. HRNJ-Uganda Condemns Rising Attacks on Journalists as 2026 Elections Approach
Miracle sustained serious injuries to his face and both eyes and is currently fighting for his life at Nsambya Hospital, where he has undergone eye surgery.
HRNJ-Uganda has taken a strong stance by covering Miracle’s medical expenses and demanding swift action against the assailants.
Ssempala stated, “It is time for the government to hold perpetrators personally accountable rather than shifting the burden to HRNJ-Uganda whenever journalists are harmed in conflicts between security forces and political actors.”
This incident is part of a troubling pattern, as HRNJ-Uganda has documented three cases of journalist assaults involving five journalists in just one month of February.
On February 10, 2025, three journalists—Chris James Woo from Voice of Lango FM, Solomon Okollo of Dokolo FM, and Eman Yonah Oluk of Shine FM—were attacked in Oyam District while reporting on road maintenance work.
Martin Nam, the driver for Honorable Betty Amongi, the MP of Oyam South who also serves as the Minister of Gender, Labor, and Social Development, is alleged to have assaulted them.
On February 3, 2025, the bursar of Unique Valley Primary School in Kasese District reportedly attacked Kule Robert, a journalist with BBS TV, while he was covering a dispute between the school and the Nyakatonzi Cooperative Union.
The assaults on journalists have surged across the Central, Northern, and Western regions, creating a bleak outlook for the safety and protection of journalists as the 2026 elections draw near.
Ssempala consequently urged the Electoral HRNJ-Uganda Condemns Rising Attacks on JournalistsHRNJ-Uganda Condemns Rising Attacks on JournalistsCommission to emphasize the importance of respecting journalists’ rights to all candidates during election activities.
“We urge the government to ensure that security agencies respect journalists’ rights to gather information and report the truth without fear of retaliation,” Ssempala stated.
He also called on security forces to refrain from infringing on journalists’ rights and to guarantee their safe access to news at all times.
HRNJ-Uganda demanded immediate action against the perpetrators of these heinous crimes and called on the government to take decisive steps to protect press freedom and hold wrongdoers accountable.
Uganda Journalists’ Association (UJA) Secretary General Emma Kirunda joined HRNJ-Uganda in condemning the attacks.
As the nation prepares for the 2026 elections, the government must implement concrete measures to ensure the safety and protection of journalists. The escalating assaults on journalists represent a worrying trend that requires urgent attention.
In a strong call to action, Ssempala reiterated that HRNJ-Uganda would continue to advocate for the rights of journalists and demand accountability from the government.
Also political actors including Joel Ssenyonyi, the Leader of Opposition in Parliament (LoP), NUP flag bearer in Kawempe North Elias Luyimbaazi Nalukoola, and Mukiibi Sadat aka Kharifa Aganaga, visited Miracle, and joined HRNJ-Uganda in condemning the security operatives’ heinous act against him.
