KAMPALA, UGANDA — A cameraman employed by Spark TV, Steven Kibwiika, has been admitted to a medical facility following a violent altercation in Nammere, Kawempe Division. The incident transpired amidst allegations of pre-marked ballot papers being prepared ahead of the Kawempe North by-election.
According to eyewitness accounts, Kibwiika was documenting activities at a residential area when he was accosted by armed individuals, purportedly security personnel, who were guarding the premises.
These individuals reportedly obstructed Kibwiika’s journalistic duties, seizing his recording equipment and inflicting physical harm before departing the premises.
Kibwiika was subsequently discovered by the security detail of Joel Ssenyonyi, the Leader of Opposition, who facilitated his immediate evacuation to a medical facility.
Video evidence from the scene depicts Kibwiika in distress, struggling to maintain his footing.
Currently, Kibwiika is receiving medical treatment, and his precise medical condition is under assessment.
The assault has drawn strong condemnation from media professionals and human rights advocates, who have characterized it as a blatant infringement upon press freedom.
“We strongly condemn this assault on our journalist. The media plays a crucial role in ensuring transparency during elections, and such attacks are unacceptable,” said Abubaker Lubowa from Nation Media Group Uganda, the franchise that also owns Spark TV.
This incident occurs within a context of escalating political tensions and claims of electoral irregularities. Official statements from authorities regarding the assault and the alleged illicit electoral activities at the residence remain pending.
Journalistic associations and human rights organizations have issued urgent calls for thorough and expeditious investigations. They emphasize the necessity for authorities to hold those responsible accountable and to guarantee the safety of journalists covering the electoral proceedings.
The attack on Kibwiika follows a prior assault on Ibrahim Miracle of Top TV, who sustained severe injuries, including potential eye damage, after being attacked by security operatives affiliated with the Joint Anti-Terrorism Unit. Miracle is still receiving medical treatment.
As the by-election is scheduled for the following day, these repeated assaults on journalists have amplified concerns regarding media freedom and the integrity of the electoral process.
