KAMPALA, UGANDA — During the Kawempe North by-election, a group of journalists covering the event faced serious interference from security personnel. Reports indicate that four reporters were detained and transported in a vehicle commonly known as a “drone,” while others narrowly avoided capture.
Isano Francis (NBS TV), Raymond Tamale (NTV), Dennis Kabugo, and Abubaker Lubowa (Daily Monitor) were apprehended while reporting from various polling locations within the district. Three other journalists, David Ijjo (NTV), Hassan Wasswa (NBS TV), and Hakim Wampamba (NBS TV), managed to evade the security forces.
Witnesses claim that the journalists were specifically targeted by security operatives during their coverage of the election. While the specifics of the alleged assault are still emerging, sources suggest that the detained journalists were subjected to physical mistreatment before being forcefully removed in a “drone” vehicle. This type of vehicle has previously been a source of public apprehension.
Canary Mugume, a senior reporter with NBS TV, voiced significant alarm regarding the heightened security presence, labeling it as highly questionable.
“UPDF soldiers carrying guns are patrolling the streets in both official vehicles and drones with their number plates removed,” Mugume said.
He noted the specific targeting of journalists.
“These actions seem to be directed at journalists. We wonder if this is an election or a different operation,” he added.
Mugume reported that their equipment was confiscated at multiple polling stations, forcing the team to flee with only a single camera, which they used to broadcast.
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The increased presence of armed Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) soldiers and the use of unmarked ‘drone’ vehicles have created an atmosphere of intimidation, particularly for media personnel.
NBS TV expressed deep concern over the situation, citing prior assaults on journalists, including Mugume and Wasswa.
The station has urged authorities to prioritize the safety of the press. As the Kawempe North by-election progresses, anxieties regarding the security of journalists and the validity of the electoral process continue to escalate.
