Attacks on journalists have escalated in the past six months despite government’s commitment to adhere to International Human Rights obligations.
A report by the human rights network for journalist in Uganda cites 32 cases of attacks since the review by the UN Human Rights Council.
Despite government’s voluntary commitment to investigate and prosecute the perpetrators, there has been no particular action taken resulting into an increment in the attacks.
Print media journalists were most targeted with 13 attacks, followed by radio with 11 and 8 from television.
The Freedom of Expression and Information Country Status Report in relation to the Universal Peer Review Mechanism shows that more than half of the attacks were committed by the police.
The attacks ranged from shooting, physical attack, unlawful arrest and detention/ incarceration of journalists, denying access to news scenes, confiscation of equipment, defective and tramped up charges, to verbal threats.
Among the journalists who recently faced police brutality while covering opposition stand offs with the police include Isaac Kasamani, Bahati Remmy, Ivan Kabbale, Siraje Lubwama and Edward Echwalu.
Kabbale, a journalist with NBS Television was knocked down while he filmed a police truck towing FDC President Dr. Kiiza Besigye from town to Kasangati. Still in poor health and limping, Kabbale says the CT scan found he incurred a brain concussion, blood clot and chest pains.
After the accident, the police declined to record Kabbale’s statement of the incident until today.
Lubwama of the Observer believes the police is not attacking the media because they do not know that they are journalists but as a calculated move to hide their brutal actions.
However, Fred Mirondo, the officer in charge of media crimes says all the cases are still being investigated. Police regards all the complaints as mere allegations and denied the lack of media freedom in Uganda.
Birgit Gerstenberg, the country director United Nations Office of the High Commission for human rights notes that public freedoms are a sign of a democratic society which Uganda is not fairly upholding.
She also blames Ugandans for not opening up to complain to international human rights rappoteurs who visit the country and leave thinking there are no human rights abuses taking place.
The report also shows a worrying trend of events against the media in Uganda. In 2011, up to 107 cases of attacks were reported compared to 58 in 2010 and 38 in 2009.
The report also takes note of new media bills and old laws narrowing operating space for journalists.
Journalists are now recommending that government should enforce its commitment to protection of journalists and media freedoms. It should stop enacting laws that are in contravention with provisions of the Constitution and International Instruments.
Government should also ensure individual law enforcement officers including policemen are held liable for their acts of violence against journalists.
