Heal The Planet Global Organisation (HTP), in Special Consultative Status with the United Nations, expresses grave concern over the escalating tensions between certain members of Ugandan security agencies and journalists.

We strongly condemn the recent attack, arrest, and torture of journalists during a local by-election in Kampala. These acts of violence are a direct violation of the fundamental rights of journalists and press freedom.

Our hearts go out to the media fraternity, including but not limited to: Abubaker Lubowa of Daily Monitor, Canary Mugume of NBS TV, Nanvuma Hasifah Kabenge of Nation Media Group Uganda, Raymond Tamale, Denis Kabugo, Francis Isano, Hakim Wampamba, Miracle Ibrahim of Top TV, Steven Kibwiika of Spark TV, and Stephen Mbidde of NTV. These individuals, along with others, have tragically fallen victim to brutal treatment at the hands of security operatives.

We remind the Government of Uganda that press freedom is a universal right and an essential pillar of democracy. Any form of impunity or aggression against free speech is unacceptable and must not be tolerated.

We call upon the Government of Uganda to immediately restrain its security forces from further targeting journalists and abducting media personnel. Journalists who are found to have violated ethical standards should face prosecution through the appropriate legal channels, not become victims of persecution.

Additionally, we demand that the government provide compensation to journalists whose equipment has been damaged or destroyed, as well as cover the medical expenses of those who have been hospitalized as a result of this violence.

The right to a free press is non-negotiable, and it is essential to the health of any democratic society.

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