Uganda: Security Services Assault and Detain Numerous Journalists Covering Opposition Party Protests

Two women journalists, Mariam Nagadya and Swaburah Owomuksia, attacked

Location: Uganda, Kampala
Date: October 4, 2023

The Coalition For Women In Journalism condemns the attack on journalists covering opposition party protests. Several journalists were beaten and detained by special forces, including journalists Mariam Nagadya and Swabrah Kiganda Owomukisa. The incident raises concerns about press freedom in Uganda and the safety of journalists covering political events. We demand an end to harassment of journalists. Reporters must be able to report on protests without violence.

At least fourteen Ugandan journalists were  attacked and had their equipment vandalized on October 4 as they attempted to cover anti-government protests instigated by the leader of Uganda's opposition National Unity Platform Party, Bobi Wine. 

The chaos unfolded at Entebbe International Airport, where Bobi Wine was arriving from the United States. Wine had called on Ugandans to join him in a mass demonstration labeled the "One Million March." In response to the call, security checkpoints were set up along roads leading to the airport and Wine's residence, where he told reporters he was under house arrest.

Journalists were not allowed at the airport, and those who attempted to cover the event were forcibly stopped by security forces. These reporters, including Mariam Nagadya from Baba TV and freelancer Swaburah Owomuksia, were then taken to the Entebbe Central police station, where they were detained for nearly four hours.

Jengo Eriah, a videographer for a local television station, recounted his experience: "The SFC [Special Forces Command] guys and military guys just came and started pulling our reporters. They pulled me out of the car, actually through the window, even without asking me anything. I was beaten. My camera was destroyed, my phone. I have wounds on my back, the arm. I got bruises everywhere."

Robert Sempala, national coordinator of the Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda, tells CFWIJ he is outraged by this incident and calls for an investigation into the actions of the special forces. Sempala also raises concerns for the safety of journalists, particularly women journalists, covering the event.

“The situation is more scary for the female practitioners in Uganda given the fact that increasingly public order management is handled by joint security forces with the military taking the leading role, and less care is given to women journalists covering such events,” says Sempala. “The situation is worsened by the fact that those who target and attack them get away unpunished due to wide levels of impunity for crimes committed against journalists.”

In a similar event in 2021, four women journalists were assaulted while reporting on Bobi Wine. Irene Abalo, Shamim Nabakooza, Rashida Nakaayi, and Josephine Namakumbi were attacked by military police and hospitalized with injuries. The reporters were covering Bobi Wine's petition filing outside the U.N. rights office in Kampala. Despite an apology from the Ugandan military spokesperson, criticism arose when it was confirmed that a military officer had ordered the attack on the journalists.

Swabrah Kiganda Owomukisa, one of the journalists physically assaulted on October 4th, was detained by an unidentified governmental agency in May 2023. The capture of Swabura, known for her coverage of NUP and Bobi Wine activities, in May and the physical assault on October 4, highlights the rising tensions and oppressive tactics reportedly employed by the government.

Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda’s coordinator Sempala says immediate action is needed from all major players in the realms of politics, security, and the media industry “to avert a worse off situation ahead of the 2026 general elections.”

The Coalition For Women In Journalism is deeply concerned by the assault and detention of Mariam Nagadya, Swaburah Owomuksia, and their colleagues. It highlights an urgent need to ensure the protection of journalists covering political events in the country. Ugandan authorities must not abuse their powers to crack down on protests and events critical of the government. We call for the state to enact a swift and transparent investigation into the assault and mistreatment of journalists and to hold those responsible accountable.

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.