Uganda: Armed Assailants Attack and Rob Freelance Journalist Juliet Kyarisiima
Women Press Freedom deeply concerned by rising number of violent attacks targeting journalists
Location: Uganda, Buhweju
Date: May 12, 2024
Juliet Kyarisiima endured a brutal assault and robbery while covering a public meeting concerning a land dispute. The perpetrators, suspected to be associated with the dispute, subjected Kyarisiima to physical harm, leaving her both injured and emotionally scarred. Initially dismissed as a mere "robbery" by local authorities, this incident starkly highlights the perilous conditions journalists in Uganda often confront. Over the past year, there have been several instances of violent attacks against members of the press, showing the urgent need for measures to safeguard their safety and well-being. Women Press Freedom advocates strongly for justice for Kyarisiima, urging local law enforcement to apprehend and prosecute those responsible. Concrete actions must be taken by Ugandan authorities to protect journalists from violence, attackers must face consequences.
On the evening of May 12, 2024, in Uganda's western Buhweju District, freelance reporter Juliet Kyarisiima and others were attacked by a group of armed assailants and left injured and shaken.
Kyarisiima was covering a public meeting addressing a contentious land issue involving the local Catholic Church and its parishioners against a businessman. According to eyewitness accounts and Kyarisiima herself, the meeting, overseen by local MP Francis Mwijukye, had just concluded when a group of men armed with machetes and sticks attacked participants.
Three men confronted Kyarisiima, demanding her camera and bag containing her laptop and a substantial amount of money. Despite her compliance, she was slapped and struck with a stick on her arm. The assailants also hurled stones at her as she attempted to flee.
Kyarisiima did not sustain serious injuries requiring medical attention. Following the incident, she reported the assault to the local police station. Regrettably, the authorities categorized the attack as a "simple robbery" case, raising concerns about the adequacy of their response.
Politician Mwijukye, who was also injured, alleged the attackers were hired by those involved in the land dispute. He criticized local police for failing to intervene to stop the assault and lambasted the fact that none of the assailants had been arrested.
Women Press Freedom expresses deep concern over the alarming frequency of physical assaults targeting journalists in Uganda. Over the past year, our organization has documented a series of brutal attacks against three women journalists within the country. One such incident transpired on July 20, 2023, when Nowamani Ainembabazi, a journalism intern, was assaulted while covering a press conference at the FDC headquarters in Kampala. Ainembabazi endured injuries to her mouth needing immediate medical attention. Similarly, Mariam Nagadya and Swaburah Owomuksia faced violent assault and unwarranted detention while reporting on opposition protests at Entebbe International Airport in October 2023.
Women Press Freedom vehemently condemns the assault on Juliet Kyarisiima during her coverage of a land dispute. She was physically assaulted, robbed of her equipment and money, and intimidated, sending a terrifying message to journalists about the risks of reporting on sensitive issues. The initial police response categorizing the incident as a simple robbery raises concerns about the authorities' commitment to protecting journalists. We demand that the attack be thoroughly and swiftly investigated by local law enforcement. The perpetrators of this vicious attack and robbery of Kyarisiima must be held to account.
Women Press Freedom is an initiative by The Coalition For Women In Journalism
The Coalition For Women In Journalism is a global organization of support for women journalists. The CFWIJ pioneered mentorship for mid-career women journalists across several countries around the world and is the first organization to focus on the status of free press for women journalists. We thoroughly document cases of any form of abuse against women in any part of the globe. Our system of individuals and organizations brings together the experience and mentorship necessary to help female career journalists navigate the industry. Our goal is to help develop a strong mechanism where women journalists can work safely and thrive.
If you have been harassed or abused in any way, and please report the incident by using the following form.