Kampala 13/March/2025; Two journalists were injured, and their equipment confiscated by security officers guarding a private residence where the Leader of Opposition (LoP), Joel Ssenyonyi, and NUP Secretary-General, Lewis Rubongoya, had gone to investigate alleged ballot pre-ticking on the eve of the Kawempe North by-election.
Stephen Kibwiika, an NTV/Spark TV journalist, was brutally assaulted during the incident on March 12, 2025. Speaking to HRNJ-Uganda on March 13, he revealed that the LoP had contacted media houses, requesting coverage as he proceeded to the suspected site of election malpractice.
“We were called by the LoP, who informed us that something suspicious was happening in Kawempe, but he did not disclose the exact location,” Kibwiika said.
Upon arrival, the journalists encountered individuals removing number plates from vehicles within the premises, leading to a confrontation between them and the LoP.
“They started beating up journalists and everyone who was with Joel,” Kibwiika recounted.
Describing his ordeal, he said, “They hit me twice on the head with a baton until it broke, kicked me in the testicles, and struck my waist multiple times. I eventually surrendered my camera, feeling helpless.”
Kibwiika, currently receiving treatment at Doctor’s Hospital in Mpererwe, reported that security officers confiscated his camera, which remains in their possession. He further alleged that plainclothes individuals, seemingly hired to carry out the attacks, later masked themselves to conceal their identities.
This marks the second time Kibwiika has been assaulted during the Kawempe North by-election campaigns, which have spanned just two weeks. Several other journalists have also been targeted.
Another journalist, NBS TV’s Thomas Kitimbo, sustained bodily injuries and had his phone confiscated during the scuffle.
Police Response and Call for Action
When contacted by HRNJ-Uganda, the Kampala Metropolitan Police deputy spokesperson, Luke Oweyesigire, denied any involvement of security forces in the incident.
“Let them make a formal complaint at Kawempe Police Station, and we shall investigate. There was no police, no army. As far as we are concerned, the journalists and the LoP had a confrontation with the occupants of the private residence,” Oweyesigire stated.
HRNJ-Uganda’s Executive Director, Robert Ssempala, expressed deep concern over the escalating violence against journalists, warning that the situation could deteriorate further as the 2026 general elections approach.
“Considering what journalists have faced in just two weeks of the Kawempe North by-election campaign, we fear for their safety during the 2026 elections, which will last over two months. Their rights are at serious risk,” Ssempala said. He urged media owners and editors to demand stronger government commitments to ensure journalist safety.
The Kawempe North by-election has been marred by violence, with over five journalists, including Miracle Ibra (Top Television), who was hospitalized in critical condition at Nsambya Hospital, Steven Mbidde (NTV), Stephen Kibwiika (NTV/Spark TV), and Thomas Kitimbo (NBS TV), among others, falling victim to attacks.
HRNJ-Uganda calls on authorities to take immediate action to protect journalists, investigate these assaults, and hold perpetrators accountable. Ensuring the safety of journalists is crucial to upholding press freedom and democracy.
