Two Women Journalists, Mariam Nagadya and Swaburah Owomuksia Attacked and Detained

The Coalition For Women In Journalism condemned the attack on journalists covering opposition party protests on October 4, 2023. From the incident, at least fourteen journalists in Uganda faced physical assault and had their equipment vandalized while covering anti-government protests led by Bobi Wine, the leader of the opposition National Unity Platform Party. Among them were Mariam Nagadya of Baba TV and freelance journalist Swaburah Owomuksia, who were detained at Entebbe Central police station for nearly four hours. The protests erupted as Bobi Wine returned from the United States and called for a "One Million March," leading to heightened security along the roads to Entebbe International Airport and his residence. Security forces barred journalists from the airport and resorted to force against those attempting coverage, with some journalists recounting violent assaults and destruction of their equipment. Robert Sempala, national coordinator of Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda, condemned the attacks, emphasizing that female journalists face heightened risks due to impunity and militarized public order management. The Coalition For Women in Journalism expressed grave concern over the targeting of Nagadya, Owomuksia, and others, calling for a transparent investigation and accountability for the perpetrators. Via : https://www.womeninjournalism.org/threats-all/uganda-security-services-assault-and-detain-numerous-journalists-covering-opposition-party-protests