The Chief of Defence Forces-CDF Maj Gen David Muhoozi has vowed to take action in due time against the ruthless soldiers that mercilessly flogged journalists with batons while covering Bobi wine petitions.
He says within 2 days the course of action will be communicated through the UPDF spokesperson Brig Flavia Byekwaso.
“On behalf of the UPDF, I ask for forgiveness because what happened yesterday were individual mistakes and we shall do everything to see that those responsible are held to account according to UDF laws,” Muhoozi said.
He promised to meet the costs of treatment for the injured journalists.
“We cannot reverse what happened but we shall assist them to get treatment,” he said. “
This comes after the ugly chaotic incidents that played out on journalists covering a petition by the NUP party president Robert Kyagulanyi at the UN human rights office in Kololo.
Kyagulanyi was petitioning the continued abduction and torture of his supporters by state security operatives at ungazzeted detention centers.
Over 10 Journalists were flogged using thick batons and most sustained serious injuries.
Among the injured include our own Rashida Nakaayi of Galaxy FM, John Cliff Wamala, Geoffrey Twesigye and Irene Abalo of Nation Media Group, Shamim Nabakooza of Record TV, Henry Ssekanjako, Timothy Murungi of New Vision, Josephine Namakumbi, Joseph Sabiti and Thomas Kitimbo of NBS TV.
Muhoozi also says the UPDF is moving to purchase Cameras to record what happens during operations so that they are safeguarded and account when criticisms start falling in.
‘’So going forward we should also be armed with cameras to capture our side of the story but also to ensure that we can account for the mistakes that happen,
He has also asked for the media to make wear easily identifiable clothing with tags or press jackets that would prove they are journalists to avoid landing into such trouble and help with accountability.
The UPDF spokesperson, Brig-Gen Flavia Byekwaso said in a tweet that the ruthless action of the Military on journalists was a result of the assault on one of them.
She said the group who were mistaken for rowdy civilians assaulted one of the security personnel at the cutoff point and that required they be pushed back forcefully.
“The procession with boda boda riders waited to force its way through carrying among them the non-identifiable journalists. The group assaulted one of the security personnel at the cut-off point and that required they be pushed back forcefully. Hence the scuffle. Therefore, it is not correct to allege that journalists were targeted,” she tweeted.
Gen Muhoozi has also called for a dialogue between the security forces and the media to harmonize a way forward and look for ways the two can work together without
He says the media is perceived by the state in very high regard and a course of action on the soldiers who carried out the operation will be communicated.
