Ghetto TV cameraman admitted in critical condition
This photo taken on December 27, 2020 show Mr Saif-llah Ashraf Kasirye, a Radio One journalist and an online Ghetto TV cameraman being helped after he was allegedly shot as police dispersed Bobi Wine supporters in Masaka. PHOTO/ ABUBAKER LUBOWA
Mr Saif-llah Ashraf Kasirye, a Radio One journalist and an online Ghetto TV cameraman was on Sunday rushed to Masaka Hospital in critical condition after he was allegedly shot in chaos that ensued as police tried to disperse supporters of presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi.
Mr Kasirye was allegedly shot as the Kyadondo East MP, popularly known as Bobi Wine was leaving Masaka District after attending prayers at Our Lady of Sorrows, Kitovu Cathedral.
During the mass, Bobi Wine told the congregation that they had been shot at and teargasseed times several times yet he had not broken any law.
“We are ready to suffer for the truth because we break no law. Even when we are shot at by bullets, teargassed or pepper sprayed," he said.
When the mass ended, Bobi Wine found a group of youthful supporters waiting outside church and chanting his name. Moments later, chaos ensued as security officers tried to disperse supporters who were trailing Bobi Wine as he left for Lwengo and Bukomansimbi where he’s suppoed to campaign today.
This photo taken on December 27, 2020 show presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi visiting Mr Saif-llah Ashraf Kasirye, a Radio One journalist and an online Ghetto TV cameraman at Masaka regional referral hospital after he was allegedly shot as police dispersed Bobi Wine supporters in Masaka. PHOTO/ DAVID LUBOWA
Kasirye was hit on the head. NTV journalist, Ali Mivule was also hit by a teargas canister on the thigh.
Police are yet to comment on the incident.
However, it comes just days after Mr Kasirye was on November 18, 2020 left unconscious after being pepper sprayed by police officers during Mr Kyagulanyi's arrest in Luuka District.
Days later, government through Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) early this month wrote to the US based Google Inc that owns YouTube, a global video sharing platform, asking them to close at least Ghetto TV and 13 other channels for allegedly mobilising riots that resulted into the death of more than 50 people and left several injured last month.
This photo taken on December 27, 2020 shows NTV journalist Ali Mivule admitted at Masaka Regional Referral Hospital after he was hit by a teargas canister as security officers in Masaka dispersed Bobi Wine supporters. PHOTO/DERRICK WANDERA.
The other channels include; TMO online, Lumbuye Fred, Trending Channel Ug, Uganda Yaffe, Uganda News Updates, Busesa Media Updates and Uganda Empya.
The Sunday incident comes hours after the Electoral Commission chairman, Justice Simon Byabakama on Thursday banned campaign meetings in Masaka and 11 other districts and cities due to the surging Covid-19 infections and persistent violation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) by some political candidates.
