Staff
The Chief of Defence Forces of Uganda, Gen. David Muhoozi has spoken out about the incidents that happened yesterday in which a number of journalists were attacked and injured by the security forces while on duty.
On the afternoon of February 17th, 2021, journalists that were covering Hon Robert Kyagulanyi’s petition to the United Nations Human Rights Commission (UNHCR) were brutalized by the security personnel, beaten up so bad that some were hospitalized.
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Speaking to the press, CDF David Muhozi apologised on behalf of UPDF and revealed that it wasn’t their purpose to beat up journalists, therefore, the security personnel who participated in the act will be brought to book. He added that the security forces would never target journalists.
“We will be the last people to target Journalists or anyone. Appropriate actions will be taken against the culprits, and you will be informed.”
Gen. David Muhoozi, CDF
In the CDF’s speech, Muhozi revealed that the security forces need to sit down with the media and agree on how to deal with one another in order to have a smooth working partnership.
“We need to engage with the media to sit and talk through this and bolster our relationship and agree on how to deal with each other.”
Gen. David Muhoozi, CDF
Gen Muhozi David added that the journalist who were injured will have their medical bills and compensation taken care of by the UPDF and asked Gen Flavia Byekwaso, the UPDF Spokesperson to follow up so that they can be helped as quickly as possible.
“A package of remorse includes catering for what our errant people have done. The injured will get a package for treatment.”
Gen. David Muhoozi, CDF
