The Commander of Defence Forces (CDF) Gen David Muhoozi has apologized for the actions of soldiers who beat up journalists.
Yesterday, security forces of military police and the army roughed up journalists as former presidential candidate Kyagulanyi Ssentamu Robert aka Bobi Wine delivered a petition to the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Kampala.
During the scuffle, scores of journalists were injured and admitted to various health facilities for medical care. The assaulted journalists include; Irene Abalo (Daily Monitor), John Cliff Wamala (NTV), Timothy Murungi (New Vision) and Josephine Namakumbi (NBS).
And, Speaking to journalists earlier today CDF said; “The excesses exhibited were not sanctioned. The UPDF cares and recognizes the importance of a smooth partnership with the media and the population. The media can never be the enemy of the State. You are very crucial partners.”
As Part of showing remorse UPDF will cater for journalist’s medical bills. He said in two days UPDF will reveal which action has been taken against officers who beat up Journalists.
“Nobody briefs people to go and beat others. 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,” he said.
