Zainabu Namusaazi, a reporter for Next Media Group, and Margret Kayondo, a correspondent for Radio Ssimba, have accused Kyagulanyi’s bodyguards of physically assaulting them and damaging their equipment while they were on duty in Mmanja village, Kiwangala sub-county, Lwengo district, on Saturday.
Two female journalists from the greater Masaka sub-region
have filed complaints of assault and damage to equipment against the bodyguards
of National Unity Platform (NUP) President Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, also
known as Bobi Wine.
Zainabu Namusaazi, a reporter for Next Media Group, and
Margret Kayondo, a correspondent for Radio Ssimba, have accused Kyagulanyi’s
bodyguards of physically assaulting them and damaging their equipment while
they were on duty in Mmanja village, Kisekka sub-county, Lwengo district, on
Saturday. The incident occurred during the burial of UK-based businessman
Pascal Ssekasamba, where tensions flared between NUP leaders and supporters.
Namusaazi reported that the guards, led by Achilles Kivumbi,
attacked them and destroyed a video camera and a cell phone. She stated that the
guards instructed journalists not to document a confrontation where
Kimanya-Kabonera MP Abed Bwanika criticized Kyagulanyi for allegedly sponsoring
attacks against party members who disagreed with his leadership.
Namusaazi recounted that Kivumbi ordered his colleagues to
seize Bwanika’s microphone, sparking a scuffle that journalists aimed to
capture. The guards, some disguised in black masks, then pursued and assaulted
the journalists, damaging their equipment. Namusaazi has filed a case against
Kivumbi, seeking accountability for the attack.
(Luganda audio)
//Cue in: “kati nze nabadde…
Cue out: ….nentuula
wansi.”//
Margret Kayondo detailed how she was beaten by a group of
NUP bouncers clad in red overalls, who accused her of filming the events
without an invitation. She sustained physical injuries, and her smartphone was
smashed in the scuffle. Onlookers who recognized her as a journalist intervened
to save her. Both journalists recorded their statements at Kiwangala Police
Station to initiate an investigation.
//Cue in: “Abed Bwanika yeyakutte……
Cue out: …..naffe tuli
bantu.”//
Twaha Kasirye, the Greater Masaka Regional Police
Spokesperson, confirmed that the cases had been registered and that
investigation teams would summon the suspects for questioning. The police will
formally request the NUP leadership to present the suspects to ensure they are
held accountable for their actions.
