Police officer who pepper-sprayed journalists during pre-intern protests suspended, to be charged
The Uganda Police Force has suspended the errant police officer who pepper sprayed journalists covering protests involving pre-intern doctors.
The officer identified as CPL Ogwal Yeeko and his colleagues attacked journalists on Tuesday morning as they dispersed medical protestors who were demanding allowances from the government.
Ogwang, with badge number 49563 who without warning, who sprayed pepper on two journalists, has since been handed over to the Professional Standards Unit (PSU) for investigations.
Other officers involved in the enforcement operations are equally in hot soup as they have also been handed over to the PSU. They include; ASP Kamulya Sowali, the OC Field Force Unit Kira division, AIP Ogwang John Steven, the OC operations Wandegeya and PC Laker Harriet.
In a statement released last evening by the Uganda police spokesperson Fred Enanga, the force condemns such acts of brutality meted on reporters doing their official duties. He says the officer acted unprofessionally and his actions cannot be justified.
“The abuse directed at journalists and reporters for simply doing their job, can never be justified. Although the officer issued an apology to the journalists, he has still been suspended and handed over to the Professional Standards Unit, for investigations,” said Enanga.
Enanga has also called on the affected journalists to report to the PSU, to allow charges to be brought against the officers, noting that police have since reached out to the journalists, and expressed deep regrets over the officers’ misconduct.
“We have a long and proud history with the media, especially crime reporters, whose journalistic work has helped shape our institution and society. And for the last two years we have an incident – free working relationship,” he said.
He further stated that : “However, the action of our officers, indicates that there is still work that we must do, to better protect journalists and reporters, so that they can play their part in keeping the public informed without fear or favour. We are going to ensure that they go about their work without being intimidated, attacked or threatened.”
Enanga has cautioned all territorial commanders to regularly review their enforcement operations, in line with what the public rightly expects from them.
Police officer who pepper-sprayed journalists during pre-intern protests suspended, to be charged
The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) has since written to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) over violent attacks on media personnel by security forces in the country.
“Yesterday, 11th April 2023, we received reports that our journalists were once again assaulted while on duty by one Police officer PC Ogwal No.49563 while his comrades stood by without intervening, causing us great concern and disappointment,” a NAB letter reads
It adds: “On behalf of the National Association of Broadcasters of Uganda, we write to request a meeting with you to address the continued assault and brutal attacks on media personnel by the Uganda Police Force,”
This is not the first time that police officers are manhandling members of the fourth estate on duty.
Several journalists suffered grave bodily injuries and psychological trauma on February 17,2021 when the military police pounced on them as they covered the handing over of a petition against the deteriorating human rights situation in the country, to the United Nations Human Rights Office in Kampala, by the National Unity Platform (NUP) leader, Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, also known as Bobi Wine.
Among those affected included John Cliff Wamala – NTV, Josephine Namakumbi – NBS TV, Joseph Sabiti -NBS and their print colleagues Irene Abalo – Daily Monitor and Timothy Murungi – New Vision among others, were left bleeding and with sprained limbs after they were chased and beaten by military police.
Articles 29 and 41 of the Ugandan Constitution, speak against violation of press freedoms.
Police officer who pepper-sprayed journalists during pre-intern protests suspended, to be charged
