Steven Kibwiika, a cameraman with Spark TV, has been hospitalised after a brutal assault by armed men suspected to be security operatives in Nammere, Kawempe Division. The attack occurred as Kibwiika covered allegations of ballot pre-ticking ahead of tomorrow’s Kawempe North by-election.
Eyewitnesses say Kibwiika was filming at a residential property when armed men, allegedly guarding the premises, confronted him, blocked him from recording, confiscated his equipment, and inflicted serious injuries before abandoning him at the scene.
He was later found by Leader of Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi’s security team in visible distress. Footage from the chaotic scene shows Kibwiika struggling to move, collapsing to the ground as he is helped to his feet. He was immediately rushed to a medical facility, where he is currently receiving treatment. His condition remains unclear.
The attack has drawn widespread condemnation from journalists and human rights activists, who describe it as a blatant violation of press freedom.
“We strongly condemn this assault on our journalist. The media plays a crucial role in ensuring transparency during elections, and such attacks are unacceptable,” said Abubaker Lubowa from Nation Media Group Uganda, which owns Spark TV.
The incident comes amid heightened political tensions and allegations of electoral malpractice in the lead-up to the by-election. Authorities have yet to issue an official statement regarding either the attack or the suspected illegal electoral activities at the residence
