FREE BOBI WINE PROTESTS: POLICE DEPLOYS TO TEETH IN KAMWOKYA, JOURNALISTS BEATEN

www.mknewslink.com
In Kampala—
Journalists are among the victims in the free Bobi Wine protest after they were brutally assaulted by military and police in Kamwokya and other parts of Kampala.
Soldiers on a military jeep pulled up and descended on the group of journalists. While other journalists were able to run for their lives, the soldiers pursued NBS’ Joshua Mujunga until they caught up with him. Using sticks, the soldiers beat up Mujunga before forcing him into a half finished building. The soldiers then compelled the journalist to delete the footage from the camera.
The cameraman Mujunga was part of an NBS crew and other journalists gauging public reaction in Kamwokya on the police decision to bar Kyadondo East MP Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine) from flying out of the country for medical treatment.
The incident comes shortly after an August 20, 2018 incident when several journalists were beaten by soldiers while covering demonstrations in several parts of Kampala.
Other journalists assaulted are; Reuters journalist James Akena, The Observer’s Alfred Ochwo, Ronald Ggaliwango and Juma Kiirya (both of NTV) and NBS’ Kenneth Kaweesa.
Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) spokesperson Brigadier Richard Karemire has visited Mujunga at Kampala hospital. He says an investigation into the incident is on-going.
Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda (HRNJ) Executive Director Robert Ssempala has condemned Mujunga’s beating. He urges media owners to come together to present a united front of protest to government against the mistreatment of their staff by security officials.
Meanwhile Police remains heavily deployed in Kamwokya Township to maintain peace and stability after area MP Robert Kyagulanyi alias Bobi Wine was on Thursday night blocked from traveling to United States for treatment.
The law enforcement body confirmed in a statement that it “halted the departure of the Hon Kyagulanyi at Entebbe International Airport.”
Police spokesperson Emillian Kayima said Kyagulanyi “has been taken to Mulago National Referral Hospital for a medical examination as he alleged torture.”
The anti-riot police quickly deployed mobile patrol units and heavily-armed personnel to maintain order.
Some streets battles were reported today morning as police moved in slums to engage the protesters.
Public transport vehicles are being checked by security forces deployed in the area.
Dozens of Counter Terrorism squads remain visible in the township that recently turned into a battleground between police and rioters

Source: www.mknewslink.com a greater western Uganda news website
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