The Uganda Journalists Association (UJA) has strongly denounced the brutal assault on Top TV journalist Miracle Ibrah by security personnel.
This alarming event took place on Wednesday afternoon as Ibrah was reporting on the nomination of National Unity Platform (NUP) candidate Elias Nalukoola Luyimbazi for the Kawempe North parliamentary seat at the Electoral Commission (EC) offices in Kawempe Mbogo.
Reports indicate that Ibrah was hit with an explosive device by security forces after they initially prevented Nalukoola from entering the EC offices.
“We are deeply disturbed by the brutal attack on one of our own, Miracle Ibrah, who was violently hit with an explosive device by security personnel while carrying out his professional duties. We strongly condemn these acts of impunity by security personnel, whose mandate is to ensure the protection of all citizens, including journalists,” the statement added.
They noted that Ibrah could be easily recognizable in a Top TV-branded jacket, and there was no need to be attacked.
UJA mentioned that it is in the process of evaluating the situation and will reveal its forthcoming actions in a timely manner.
In the meantime, NUP leader Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, widely known as Bobi Wine, condemned the assault as “barbaric” and charged that security forces were deliberately aiming at journalists.
The EC began the two-day nomination exercise on Wednesday, February 26, running through Thursday, February 27, at its Kawempe offices near Akamwesi Mall along Gayaza Road.
The Kawempe North parliamentary seat became vacant following the death of Muhammad Ssegirinya on January 9, 2025, after weeks of hospitalization.
The Electoral Commission has scheduled the by-election for March 13, 2025.
