Uganda Journalists Association (UJA) has condemned the reported action by police officers at Kashrensherero police station in Mitooma district of unleashing acts of torture on two journalists.
The victims have been identified as Hillary Twinamatsiko, a correspondent with Nation Media Group (NMG) and Sympathy Magezi with Voice of Ruhinda. The incident occurred on June 15th, 2026, while in line of duty.
The association’s Secretary General, Emmanuel Kirunda said that the association has got information that the two journalists were blocked by police officers moving on a patrol that followed them up relying upon informers, from their scheduled field news interviews.
“It has emerged from our teams on the ground that the duo was following up a story to independently ascertain claims that the same police officers were persistently not being present at the station during working hours before they were arrested, detained and tortured,” he said.
Kirunda added that while in police detention, Twinamatsiko was allegedly subjected to acts of torture in form of harsh beating, knocking against the wall, neck strangulation, nose squeezing, stomach punching, head hitting by some police constables lasting for about 30 minutes, hence leaving him in serious pain with sustained bodily injuries on one of his eyes.
“Following this incident, he sought medical attention at Kampala Internationaol Hospital. This act blatantly violates the constitutional rights to freedom of the press and access to information as enshrined under Article 29 (1)(a) and 51 of Uganda’s constitution,” the statement read.
He noted that the police officers are funded by taxpayers and therefore they must remain open to scrutiny by the media without intimidation.
“UJA views their actions as a deliberate attempt to silence independent journalism, but also to shield their reported absentees conduct from public accountability,” Kirunda highlighted.
Kirunda further said the association demands immediate investigations by the Inspector General of Police (IGP) that all errant officers individually be accountable for their actions as prescribed under the law.
“Police should adopt a nondiscriminatory media access policies that respect journalistic independence, in the event that the above are not acted upon, we shall explore other remedies in ensuring that justice is served for the affected journalists,” he noted.
He asked the IGP to meet all medical expenses and that his office comes out with a formal clarification on this matter as this will end an ongoing speculation that they have its backings.
