The Jinja road police have opened investigations into a scandal involving military brutality towards journalists and media personnel covering Bobi Wine petition to the UN.
On Wednesday, up to seven journalists were reportedly beaten while covering a proceeding of how the National Unity Platform (NUP) party president Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu alias Bobi Wine was presenting his petition to the United Nations Human Rights (UN) office.
Journalists including NTV’s John Cliff Wamala, NBS TV’s Josephine Namakumbi, Timothy Murungi and Henry Ssekanjako of the New Vision, Irene Abalo Otto of Daily Monitor, and Shamim Nabakooza of Record TV sustained injuries following the beating.
However, in a statement, the police have disclosed that they have embarked on investigations to determine how the journalists were beaten.
Patrick Onyango the Kampala Metropolitan police spokesperson said that Kyagulanyi had been warned before to appear with only two other personnel but continued to hold illegal possessions involving bodabodas, motor vehicles and supporters walking on foot.
“We wish to inform the public that today, 17.02.2021, the National Unity platform (NUP) President, Hon. Kyagulanyi Sentamu Robert, successfully submitted his petition to the United Nations Human Rights offices, located at Prince Charles Drive, Kololo in Kampala. The petitioner was scheduled to appear with three other members due to the anti-covid 19 protocols,” Onyango said.
“He however, disregarded the guidelines and held an illegal procession and assembly involving bodabodas, motor vehicles and supporters walking on foot.”
Onyango noted that although the police respect the rights of citizens to freely assemble and express themselves, health and safety should remain is still their top priority amidst the ongoing COVID-19.
He said that due to overcrowding at the security perimeters near the UN offices, there was a great potential of breaching the security perimeter, which led to additional reinforcement that helped disperse the uncontrolled crowds.
“Although we respect the rights of citizens to freely assemble and express themselves, the health and safety of all Ugandans and visitors, and rule of law remains our top priority. As a reminder, all unlawful rallies, assemblies and processions are still restricted under the health protocols in place,” Onyango added.
“Unfortunately, a few people sustained injuries including journalists. We have opened an inquiry at Jinja Road Divisional Headquarters, to establish the circumstances under which the victims were injured. The findings will inform management on the next course of action.”
