From the street: As Ugandans went to the polls on February 18 to vote for a presidential candidate of their choice, journalists were at hand to report the proceedings and outcomes. Some overzealous supporters and loyalists turned their fury onto the people’s eye and ears.
Journalists were attacked, intimidated and property destroyed.
Journalist Julius Odeke from the Red Pepper and the Razor Newspaper was shot at by security agents while covering the vote casting at Budadiri West constituency in Mbale district. Mr. Odeke was injured with a bullet when security operatives tried to confiscate his recordings of electoral violence in this area.
During the mayoral elections in Kampala, more violence and physical attack was done on the journalists.
The six journalists attacked included; Nixon Bbaale a camera man and Brian Nsimbe, a reporter, both from Channel 44 TV, Jane Anyango, a senior reporter with UBC TV, Nabazziwa Lydia a reporter from Bukedde TV, Nabukeera Florence a reporter with Bukedde newspaper, Namatumbwe Christine a reporter and News anchor at Metro FM whose radio recorder, mobile phone and hand bag were all stolen.
The police has promised to investigate the cases. The government is under obligation to remove attitudes and end actions that undermine independent journalism; freedom of expression and the free flow of information to the public.
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