Ug Decides2021: Journalists Asked To Be United in this Election Period than Ever Before
Now we counting hours to the much anticipated 2021 general elections day which is to happen on 14th January 2021 in Uganda, journalists were asked to be united than ever before.
Since the campaign period kicked off late last year, journalists have been a soft target from Security organs and many of them (journalists) sustained serious injuries and others are still nursing wounds in different hospitals, and the main example is Ghetto Media reporter Kasirye Ashraf who was shot with a teargas canister by Uganda police while covering National Unity Platform presidential flag bearer, Kyagulanyi Ssentamu Robert in Masaka and he is still in Lubaga Hospital in critical condition.
Different journalists bodies expected the security organs to come out to apologize for the deeds of their officers but instead they supported the act.
And the most recent surprise to media came on Friday last week when the Inspector General of Police, Martin Okoth Ochola revealed that they have been beating journalists for their own safety and the police is not ready to apologize for that.
Basing on such awkward statements from head police, Human Rights Network for Journalists- Uganda (HRNJ-Uganda) came out and condemned acts to the police and demanded Ochola to withdraw his unfortunate statements.
The statement by Mr. Ochola cannot be taken lightly, given the fact that the police has been the leading violator of media rights according to the HRNJ-Uganda Press freedom Index Reports since 2009 to date.” HRNJ-Uganda Executive Director, Robert Ssempala said in the press briefing held at Imperial Royale Hotel, Kampala on Tuesday morning.
“We will hold the IGP, Mr. Ochola solely responsible for any attacks on journalists covering elections,came will be individually held reliable for inciting violence against journalists by police and it’s sister security agencies while in line of duty.”
“We insist that Mr. Ochola should withdraw these unfortunate statements, or be compelled to do so to prevent the resultant mob justice on journalists and other Ugandans by Police.”
In the same press briefing, the Independent Online Journalists Association Uganda (Indoja-U) President, Andrew Irumba Katusabe asked journalists, for the first time in history at least to be united for this common cause.
“It’s very clear that since time on memorial, the media industry in Uganda needs to mobilize themselves, even before you address any other issues in society, you as media industry,you need to work together but this has been a challenge. I know that this is deliberately done by certain state actors tp keep media divided.” Andrew Irumba who speaks what others fear said.
“When you become together, you become stronger but some state actors don’t want strong institutions.
But that can’t stop us from reminding you the importance of working together, we can protect our rights and fight for our space, we need to be brothers and sisters, let’s be concerned about what happened unto the other before it reaches you.” Irumba added.
Journalists who are going to cover the electoral processes especially on polling day asked to be in groups of at least five people for their own security.