By KT Reporter
The European Union has condemned the violent actions that characterized the by-election for Member of Parliament for Kawempe North constituency on Thursday.
The violence included attacks by members of security forces on journalists who were covering the polls.
Several members of the media were beaten up and are hospitalized, while others were detained with no proper explanations as to their assumed offences, and equipment was confiscated and destroyed.
The EU Delegation in Uganda said in a short statement that the EU was concerned about the use of excessive force against journalists covering the Kawempe by-election and called for the observance of the role of the media in democracy.
“Independent media is a cornerstone of democracies. During elections, the work of journalists is more important than ever. We urge Ugandan authorities to exercise restraint,” said the statement posted on the embassy’s X handle.
Earlier, the Acting Defense Public Information Officer, Col. Chris Magezi, issued a statement saying that the Uganda People’s Defense Force was concerned about “alleged beating and harassment of journalists” by members of the security forces.
Magezi noted that it was not yet clear what caused the “clashes between the security forces and journalists.” Magezi said the UPDF had henceforth instituted investigations into the incidents that led to the unfortunate development.
“The result of the investigations will guide the measures to be undertaken, including disciplinary processes where appropriate,” he said.
While he commended most citizens for being law-abiding, he noted that there were “a few among them who seek to cause trouble, engage in aggressive behavior against the security forces, and break the law.”
Col. Magezi vowed that the lawbreakers would be dealt with firmly according to the laws of the land-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
