Lira, Uganda | Unity FM journalist Bob Oyuku Ojok was reportedly assaulted on Thursday, November 20, 2025, while covering a political rally in Boke Ward, Lira City.
Eyewitnesses said the attack involved a group of individuals alleged to be Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) supporters, who physically touched and harassed him as he performed his reporting duties.
At the time of reporting, North Kyoga Police had not issued a statement regarding the incident.
However, several civil society actors, fellow journalists, and media outlets across the region have condemned the attack, calling it an attempt to intimidate the press and silence independent reporting.
“Assaults on journalists undermine democracy and prevent citizens from accessing information. This act is entirely unacceptable,” said Unity FM in a statement.
Other media practitioners in the Lango sub-region also voiced their condemnation, emphasizing that journalists must be able to work without fear of harassment or violence.
Dokolo Post joined the outcry, reaffirming the need to protect press freedom and respect journalists’ safety.
Unity FM management said it is treating the incident with the utmost seriousness and pledged to cooperate fully with the authorities to ensure justice.
The station reaffirmed its commitment to impartial, professional reporting and extended full support to Bob Oyuku Ojok during his recovery.
“We urge all political actors and their supporters to respect the role of journalists in a democratic society. Violence against media workers must end immediately,” said Kenneth Opio, Station Manager at Unity FM.
The incident has reignited discussions about the safety of journalists in northern Uganda, with calls for urgent measures to ensure reporters can perform their duties without fear of intimidation or physical harm.
