Lira, Uganda | Journalists in the Lango Sub-region have condemned what they describe as an alarming rise in targeted attacks, threats, and intimidation by political supporters during the ongoing campaign period in Lira City.
The outcry follows the violent assault of Bob Oyuku Ojok, a news anchor and programme host at UNITY FM, who was attacked on Thursday while covering the campaign rally of Hon. Betty Amongi Ongom, the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) candidate for Lira City Woman MP.
According to eyewitnesses, the incident happened at St. Benedict Playground in Lela Apeta at about 4pm, when a group of people wearing UPC party colours confronted the journalist, accused him of supporting an opposing candidate, confiscated and destroyed his phone, beat him, and chased him for several metres.
He escaped and sought safety at Ireda Police Outpost, where he recorded a statement.
Senior journalists and media workers say the attack is part of a growing pattern of hostility targeted at reporters covering political events in Lira City.
Those who have reported threats include: Hudson Apunyo, Senior Journalist, reporters from QFM, reporters from UNITY FM and several others who declined to be named over safety concerns.
Some supporters have reportedly vowed to “beat up” journalists they believe are biased, forcing media houses to reconsider sending reporters to certain campaign venues.
“This climate of intimidation is worsening by the day. Some of our colleagues now fear covering specific candidates,” one reporter told the Daily Monitor.
Media practitioners argue that the attacks violate Article 29 of the Constitution, which guarantees freedom of the press, and Electoral Commission (EC) guidelines, which provide journalists unrestricted access to campaign activities.
They now want the Human Rights Network for Journalists (HRNJ-U) to investigate the assault on Oyuku Ojok and provide legal support to affected reporters.
They are also urging the Electoral Commission to act against campaign agents who obstruct media work, and calling on Uganda Police Force to fast-track investigations and ensure accountability.
In a letter addressed to the UPC Party President, senior journalist Hudson Apunyo expressed concern over what he termed a “pattern of violence” linked to individuals associated with the party.
He cited earlier incidents, including the 2016 attack on Joel Milton Aliro and colleagues at Alpha Hotel, allegedly by UPC youth travelling in tipper trucks, and the 2021 assault on journalist Sam Brunos Aliga of Voice of Lango, who was ambushed and beaten on his way to work.
“These repeated incidents create fear and undermine public trust in political institutions,” Apunyo wrote.
He asked UPC to condemn the November 20 attack, instruct its campaign teams to respect media freedom, and cooperate with police investigations.
Journalists warn that continued hostility endangers media workers and denies the public access to balanced and timely information during a crucial election season.
“We serve all candidates equally. Violence against journalists is violence against the public’s right to know,” Apunyo said.
They are appealing to political parties, candidates, and supporters across Lango to embrace peaceful campaigns and ensure journalists operate without fear.
