The Uganda Journalists Association (UJA) has strongly condemned the violent assault on UJA Condemns Brutal Attack on Top TV Journalist Miracle Ibrah by Security ForcesThe Uganda Journalists Association (UJA) has strongly condemned the violent assault on Top TV journalist Miracle Ibrah, carried out by security personnel during a political event on Wednesday afternoon.
Ibrah was covering the nomination of National Unity Platform (NUP) candidate Elias Nalukoola Luyimbazi for the Kawempe North parliamentary seat at the Electoral Commission (EC) offices in Kawempe Mbogo when the incident took place.
Reports indicate that after Nalukoola was initially blocked from entering the EC offices, Ibrah was struck with an explosive device by security officers who were on site.
The UJA expressed deep concern in a statement, saying: “We are appalled by the violent attack on our colleague, Miracle Ibrah, who was injured by an explosive device thrown by security personnel while performing his journalistic duties.” The association emphasized that Ibrah, clearly identifiable in a Top TV-branded jacket, was deliberately targeted despite his clear press identification.
“We condemn this impunity by security officers whose role is to protect all citizens, including journalists,” the statement added. The UJA assured the public that it is closely monitoring the situation and will make further announcements regarding its next steps
NUP leader Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, widely known as Bobi Wine, described the assault as “barbaric.” He accused security forces of deliberately targeting journalists and stated: “This is the state of Top TV journalist Miracle Ibrah, who was viciously attacked by JAT operatives while covering the nomination of comrade Nalukoola Luyimbazi. This criminal regime has lost all sense of control!”
Although details about Ibrah’s condition remain unclear, reports suggest that he sustained injuries from the attack. By press time, efforts to reach police and security authorities for comment were still ongoing.
Kyagulanyi called on media organizations, human rights groups, and the international community to hold the government accountable for the increasing violations against press freed
The EC began the two-day nomination process for the Kawempe North by-election on Wednesday, February 26, and it will continue through Thursday, February 27. The seat became vacant after the death of Muhammad Ssegirinya on January 9, 2025, following a prolonged hospitalization.
The Electoral Commission has confirmed that the by-election will take place on March 13, 2025.
