Top TV Journalist Injured in Kawempe By-election Chaos.
A disturbing case of police brutality unfolded in Kawempe Wednesday, as Miracle Ibrah, a respected journalist with Top TV, sustained severe eye injuries allegedly caused by a tear gas canister fired by police.
The incident occurred a little distance away from the Electoral Commission (EC) office in Kawempe, where Ibrah was covering the ongoing nominations for the by-election.
Ibrah had been following NUP candidate Luyimbazi Nalukoola, who was the third to be nominated after independent candidates Hajati Hanifar Karadi and Luswa Luwembo Muhammad. After his nomination, Nalukoola proceeded to Mbogo Mosque to meet his supporters, with Ibrah following to document the event.
However, as crowds gathered in support of the candidate, police deployed forceful measures, including firing tear gas to disperse them. In the process, a tear gas canister hit Ibrah, causing serious eye injuries. Emergency responders provided first aid before he was rushed to Nsambya Hospital for further medical attention.
This incident is yet another blatant violation of press freedom and human rights in Uganda. It is unacceptable for security agencies to continue targeting journalists, whose duty is to report the truth.
The use of excessive force against unarmed civilians, including members of the press, is a clear abuse of power that cannot be ignored. We strongly condemn the actions of the Uganda Police Force and other security agencies involved in this attack. Their role is to protect and serve the public not to brutalize those exercising their constitutional rights.
The Electoral Commission (EC) must urgently address the growing violence during the electoral process. If security forces cannot guarantee the safety of journalists and civilians, then the fairness and integrity of the electoral process are at serious risk. The EC must demand accountability from the police and ensure such incidents do not occur again.
We call upon the Human Rights Network for Journalists (HRNJ-Uganda) and other press freedom organizations to investigate this matter and hold the perpetrators accountable. Journalists should not have to risk their lives simply for doing their jobs. If such attacks continue unchecked, press freedom in Uganda will be under serious threat.
As Miracle Ibrah fights for his recovery, we demand an independent investigation into the incident to identify those responsible, action against the police officers involved, stronger measures to protect journalists covering political events, and an end to police brutality against civilians and members of the press.
Freedom of the press is a fundamental pillar of democracy, and we will not remain silent as journalists continue to face violence in the line of duty. We stand in solidarity with Miracle Ibrah and all journalists who risk their safety to bring the truth to the public.
