UPDF has sentenced seven of its officers for assaulting members of the fourth estate. They are; Capt Jessy Odwenyi, Cpl Nimusiima Justine, Pte Wasswa Peter, Pte Tsame Imran, Pte Kisakye Victoria, Pte Opiyo Isaac and L/cpl Zirimenya Kassim.
According to the UPDF, this is a deterrent measure to other members of the force not to engage in acts prejudicial to the good order and discipline of UPDF.
Yesterday afternoon, Military police beat up and injured journalists as they covered the handover of a petition by National Unity Platform (NUP) leader Hon Robert Kyagulanyi “alias” Bobi Wine to the United Nations Human Rights Office, at Kololo , Kampala.
The incident caused a public uproar with many advising the media to boycott all government events. However, today morning CDF Gen. David Muhoozi apologised to the media fraternity about the incident and promised to take action because nobody briefs people to go and beat others.
Muhoozi said that since they cannot take back the beatings, the UPDF is going to cover medical bills of all the journalists that were assaulted. He promised to lead the campaign to improve the relationship between the media and the security forces.