The Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) has strongly condemned the acts of violence, intimidation, and harassment witnessed during the Kawempe North by-election on Thursday.
The commission emphasized that for an election to be free, fair, and credible, it must be conducted in a secure, safe, and peaceful environment that allows citizens to exercise their right to vote without fear.
During the by-election, several journalists, including NBS photojournalist Isano Francis, reporter Hakim Wampamba, and Nation Media Group’s Raymond Tamale, Denis Kabugo, Abubakar Lubowa, and Hasifa Nanvuma, were violently harassed by security operatives. Following these incidents, their editors redeployed them from the field for their safety.
In a statement issued on Friday, the UHRC called on the government to establish and enforce clear guidelines to ensure the safety and security of media personnel. The commission also urged the creation of mechanisms that allow journalists to report harassment or assault to authorities without fear of retaliation.
“The UHRC strongly condemns these acts, which violate press freedom—a fundamental pillar of democracy. Harassment and violence against journalists undermine independent reporting, compromise electoral transparency, and erode public trust in the integrity of the electoral process,” the statement read.
The UHRC also stressed the importance of accountability for human rights violations. It pledged to work with relevant authorities to conduct prompt, independent, and impartial investigations into the assaults on journalists, harassment of electoral officials, and confrontations with voters.
“Those responsible must be held accountable. Political actors must refrain from inciting violence or using inflammatory rhetoric that could fuel confrontation between voters, security forces, and themselves,” the commission noted.
To strengthen public confidence in electoral processes, the UHRC recommended that human rights bodies, media organizations, and civil society intensify voter and civic education. Such efforts, the commission argued, would enhance public awareness and trust in electoral processes, ensuring meaningful citizen participation.
The UHRC’s condemnation of violence against the media comes at a time when the Uganda Editors’ Guild has also issued a statement denouncing these actions, emphasizing that “journalism is not a crime.”
The Editors’ Guild warned that such acts of violence against the media not only silence journalists but also create unnecessary friction between the media and law enforcement agencies. Additionally, they harm Uganda’s international reputation, as well as its economy and investment climate.
“We note the promise made by the UPDF spokesperson to investigate the matter. We call for this inquiry to be swift, transparent, and independent. Its findings will be crucial in holding those responsible for the violence accountable and facilitating compensation for journalists who were harmed or whose equipment was deliberately destroyed,” the Guild stated.
The UHRC and the Editors’ Guild’s statements underscore the critical need to protect press freedom and ensure a safe environment for journalists, particularly during electoral processes, to uphold democracy and public trust.
