Journalists assaulted as police arrest members of unemployed youth group
WBS TV's cameraman Andrew Lwanga lies on the ground unconscious after being assaulted in line of duty by police at Bakuli, Mengo on Monday. Lwanga was capturing moments of the unemployed youth who were marching with an aim of going to the inspector of police Kale Kayihura's offices in Naguru. PHOTO BY MICHAEL KAKUMIRIZI
KAMPALA. Two journalists were on Monday beaten by the police in the Force’s scuffle involving a group of unemployed youth group who were matching to Naguru Police Headquarters seeking permission for different rallies due this month.
The youth under their umbrella body, the National Association of the Unemployed (NAU) were reportedly taking a letter to the Inspector General of Police Kale Kayihura in line with the new public order management law that regulates public assemblies.
Andrew Lwanga, a WBS camera man was rushed to Mulago Hospital for medical attention after he was pummelled on the head with a big stick.
Another scribe Joseph SSettimba working with Bukedde Television escaped with injuries as Old Kampala DPC Jorum Mwesigye tore the latter’s trousers leaving him with pants out.
By press time, Mr Patrick Onyango, the Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson, claimed ignorance of brutal acts of the police officers which keeps recurring particularly during election times.
“What I know is that some of the youth have been arrested, but am not aware of any journalists who have been battered by police,” Mr Onyango said.
“There was no need for them to match. If they wanted, they should have consulted us (police) first to guide them on which route to take and also provide them with security, ”Mr Onyango said.
Before the scuffle started at Shell Bakuli in Mengo Kampala, and their eventual arrest, they addressed a press conference on their upcoming rallies in which they would discuss the increased youth unemployment
in Uganda.
“The IGP has always said they don’t receive our papers seeking permission to hold rallies. This time we want to take our letter to them in full view of the public, ”Ms Doreen Nyanjura, the NAU coordinator told journalists.
Robin Wabulembo, the Makerere NAU unit coordinator, said; “We have rallied other University students to join the cause where we shall hold rallies in areas of Kansangati, Makerere,Kyambogo,Nateete and
Makindye among others,”
The youth who were arrested include; Brian Atuheire, Habib.
