April 7, 2025 — The Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda (HRNJ-Uganda) has expressed deep concern over the growing pattern of brutal and indiscriminate attacks on journalists across the country. This follows a recent incident in which Bukedde TV reporter David Musisi, popularly known as Karyankoko, was beaten into a coma by police officers.
The harrowing incident occurred on April 4, 2025, in Ngandu, Mukono Central Division, where Musisi was covering a protest against persistent power outages. During the police crackdown on the protest, a tear gas canister reportedly struck Musisi on the head, causing a critical injury that left him unconscious. He was immediately rushed to Case Hospital and has remained in the Intensive Care Unit since, fighting for his life.
HRNJ-Uganda has strongly condemned this act of brutality, noting that attacks on journalists by security operatives are becoming increasingly common. Alarmingly, the trend is not limited to security agencies alone but extends to influential civilians as well.
Just last month in the same Mukono District, Dr. Fred Ssimbwa, a Veterinary Officer, physically assaulted Eric Yiga, a journalist with Salt Media, while he was recording a heated debate among councilors during a council meeting. Yiga required urgent medical treatment following the assault.
Commenting on the disturbing pattern, HRNJ-Uganda Executive Director Robert Ssempala said,
“The normalization of violence against journalists is a direct threat to press freedom and our democracy. We need to hold those in power accountable for these attacks and ensure that journalists can carry out their duties in a secure and safe environment. We cannot afford to wait any longer, as this would further entrench impunity.”
HRNJ-Uganda is calling for swift investigations, justice for the victims, and stronger safeguards to protect media professionals from further harm.
