POLICE, UPDF TOPS OFFENDERS AGAINST JOURNALISTS

The Uganda Police Force has again been listed in the first position of perpetrators of violence against journalists.
During today launch of a Press Freedom Index Report 2020 by Human Rights Network for Journalists Uganda (HRNJ-Uganda) showed clearly that the officers have repeatedly been violent to journalists countrywide.
Police was responsible for 104 cases out of the total 174 violations against journalists recorded; most of which were perpetrated during the recently concluded election campaigns period.
The Uganda People’s Defence Forces comes in the second position with at least 31 cases, mostly perpetrated during the implementation of the presidential directives to contain the spread of Covid-19 which was first confirmed in the country in March last year, according to the report.
The community also mob is accused of assaulting journalists who allegedly did not show support for their preferred political candidates during political campaigns.
The Resident District Commissioners (RDC) were also included on the list for intimidating journalists and switching off radio stations hosting Opposition politicians in their respective districts of operation.
STATISTICS
174 cases recorded, 69 were assault; 40 blocked access; 29 arrests and 36 other violations.
Police spokesperson Fred Enanga says they are going to involve their legal directorate to look at Press Freedom Index Report 2020 then they will be able to comment.
However, this is the 12th year in a row that police has been ranked in the first position for brutalizing journalists according to Human Rights Network for Journalists Uganda.