PPF concerned over attacks on journalists in Uganda | Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF)

Pakistan Press Foundation

PPF concerned over attacks on journalists in Uganda

Pakistan Press Foundation

Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF) in a letter to Ruhakana Rugunda, Prime Minister of Uganda expresses concern over the frequent attacks on journalists covering election campaigns of the Arua Municipality Parliamentary by-elections in Uganda.

PPF Secretary General Owais Aslam Ali urged the government and security officials of Uganda to ensure the safety of journalists in the line of duty and promote freedom of expression and press freedom. PPF also urges the government to investigate the incident and bring the perpetrators to justice.

According to Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda (HRNJ-Uganda), NTV journalists Herbert Zziwa and Ronald Muwanga were detained at Arua police station on August 13, and their equipment was also seized. The following day they were taken to Gulu, city in the northern region of Uganda and were charged with inciting violence and damaging public property before being released on bond.

In the evening of August 13, when journalists of NBS TV were preparing to broadcast coverage of the campaign, they were attacked by five men including some in army uniforms. Journalist Bakabaage Julius was by beaten up and hit on the head with a rod. His colleagues John Kibalizi and Benson Ongom managed to escape. They left behind their equipment which was taken away by the attackers.

Daily Monitor’s Yasin was also attacked and his camera was taken from him.

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