By Frank Kamuntu
The Vice Chancellor of Victoria University, Prof. Lawrence Muganga, has strongly condemned the violent assault on several journalists covering the highly charged Kawempe North by-election, describing the attacks as a blatant violation of press freedom and human rights.
In a statement issued via his X handle, Prof. Muganga expressed deep concern over the brutal treatment of Francis Isano, a Victoria University student and journalist attached to NBS Television, along with his colleagues Abubaker Lubowa, Dennis Kabugo, and Raymond Tamale, all from NTV Uganda. The journalists were among several media professionals violently assaulted by armed security operatives while carrying out their duties.
“It is deeply upsetting to see the brutality inflicted on our student, Francis Isano, along with Abubaker Lubowa, Dennis Kabugo, Raymond Tamale, and other journalists from various media houses,” Prof. Muganga stated.
“No journalist should have to face violence for simply doing their job. Journalists are the voice of the people, the eyes that uncover the truth, and a pillar of any democracy. They deserve protection, not brutality.”
The assault occurred during coverage of the Kawempe North parliamentary by-election, which has been marred by heavy military deployment and heightened tension. Security forces, including personnel from the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and police, launched a violent crackdown on journalists documenting the arrest of opposition MPs Geoffrey Kayemba Ssolo (Bukomansimbi South) and Hillary Kiyaga (Mawokota North), both members of the National Unity Platform (NUP).
According to eyewitness accounts, journalists were photographing and filming chaotic scenes at Kazo Angola polling station when heavily armed operatives turned on them. They were beaten with batons and rifle butts, their equipment was smashed or confiscated, and several were dragged into a Toyota Hiace van, commonly referred to as a “drone,” often linked to security operations.
Francis Isano, on assignment for NBS TV, was among those badly assaulted. Colleagues described the scene as a deliberate and targeted attack on media personnel covering the election.
“They put us at gunpoint and ordered us not to record anything,” said one journalist who narrowly escaped arrest.
The violent crackdown has triggered widespread condemnation from media organizations and press freedom advocates. Many accuse security agencies of attempting to suppress coverage of the election, which has already faced allegations of vote rigging and electoral malpractice.
Prof. Muganga’s statement went beyond expressing solidarity with the affected journalists. He issued a broader appeal for justice and the protection of press freedom in Uganda.
“Silencing the press is a dangerous path, one that threatens the very foundation of a just and informed society,” Muganga warned.
“On behalf of Victoria University and myself, I wish Isano and all the affected journalists a speedy recovery. We stand with you. We pray for your swift healing and hope that peace prevails in Kawempe North. Uganda is better than this.”
He further urged the nation to stand together in defense of democracy, human dignity, and media freedom.
“Let us stand together for justice, press freedom, and the respect of every human being,” he added.
The attacks in Kawempe have prompted several media outlets to withdraw their journalists from covering the by-election, citing growing concerns for their safety amid escalating violence. The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), along with other media and civil society organizations, has condemned the violence.
Meanwhile, the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) has called for an independent investigation into the assaults and a review of the conduct of security agencies during the electoral process.
The Kawempe North by-election was triggered by the death of former MP Muhammad Ssegirinya in January 2025.
