KAMPALA – Unknown goons at the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) headquarters in Najjanankumbi on Thursday beat and stole the gadgets of journalists who were trying to cover the ongoing wrangles between party leadership.
The journalists were invited to cover a press briefing by the party chairman, Wasswa Birigwa before the goons stormed into them right from inside the party offices reportedly on orders of Party Secretary General, Nandala Mafabi.
In a statement, Patrick Oboi Amuriat – Party President regretted the unfortunate incident noting that some individuals within their party acted in a manner that goes against their core values and principles by assaulting journalists.
“We condemn such actions in the strongest possible terms. Violence and aggression have no place in our party.”
“We deeply APOLOGIZE to all the journalists who were hurt during this incident. We have and shall always recognize Journalists as one of our great allies in the struggle for democracy, and we acknowledge their invaluable role in informing the public and holding us leaders accountable. We are committed to taking immediate and decisive action to address the situation,” he said.
Amuriat notes that they have launched an in-depth investigation into the matter, and the individuals responsible for this act of violence will be held accountable.
On the other hand, journalists also condemned the attack on their colleagues.
Speaking on Friday morning, Abubaker Lubowa, described the incident as an attack on the journalism fraternity in the country that he said should be condemned by everyone.
“As we continue to seek press freedom in Uganda, we would like to notify every Ugandan that acts of violence against journalists should never be regarded as occupational hazards but rather crimes against journalism. Promoting the safety of journalists and combating impunity for those who attack them are central actions within everyone’s support for press freedom and freedom of expression,” Lubowa said.
