The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has said it regrets the “unprofessional conduct of soldiers” who were filmed beating journalists and destroying their equipment as they covered protests that broke out in Kampala yesterday.
In a statement released by the army spokesperson, Brig. Richard Karemire, the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. David Muhoozi has ordered for the arrest and punishment of the soldiers involved.
Pictures circulated showing Reuters photojournalist being beaten by over four soldiers as he surrendered while holding his camera in one hand. Other journalists such as Alfred Ochwo of The Observer newspaper, NTV’s Juma Kirya, and Cameraman Ronald Galiwango were also beaten by the army.
The army says it regrets the incidents and is keen on improving its relationship with the media fraternity.
However, some lawyers and human rights activists are not satisfied with the army’s response and are set to drag the force to court for “chronic and repeated violation of human rights.”
“When they beat journalists in Arua and charged them in a Kangaroo Court in Gulu, they said it was an error. Now we saw the torture in broad daylight. The video is appalling! This cannot continue. We demand an end to this impunity,” Chapter Four’s Nicholas Opiyo told Matooke Republic.