UJA demands probe into journalists tortured over police absenteeism story in Mitooma

Journalist Hillary Twinamatsiko shows wounds allegedly inflicted by police officers attached to Kashensheero Police Station in Mitooma District. On the right is his medical examination report confirming the wounds

Mitooma, Uganda — The Uganda Journalists Association (UJA) has strongly condemned the alleged torture and unlawful detention of two journalists by police officers attached to Kashensheero Police Station in Mitooma District, demanding an immediate investigation and accountability for those responsible.

Hillary Twinamatsiko, a correspondent with Nation Media Group (NMG), and Sympathy Magezi of Voice of Ruhinda FM, were reportedly arrested while pursuing an investigative news story on Monday, June 15.

The two journalists had been following up allegations from members of the public that police officers at the Police Station were frequently absent from duty during official working hours.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, June 17, UJA Secretary General Emmanuel Kirunda described the reported actions of the officers as a grave attack on press freedom and a violation of constitutional rights.

“The Uganda Journalists Association strongly condemns in the harshest terms the reported action by the Police Officers at Kashensheero Police Station in Mitooma District, of unleashing acts of torture on journalists Hillary Twinamatsiko and Sympathy Magezi while in line of duty,” Kirunda said.

The association insists that the journalists were conducting independent verification of the claims when they were allegedly intercepted by officers attached to a police patrol team.

“It has emerged from our teams on the ground that the duo was following up a story to independently ascertain claims that the same area Police Officers were persistently not being present at the Station during working hours,” the statement reads.

UJA alleges that the officers relied on informers who tracked the journalists’ movements before they were apprehended and taken to Kashensheero Police Station.

The journalists were reportedly detained between 3:00pm and 6:00pm.

Allegations of Torture

The most serious accusations contained in the UJA statement relate to the treatment allegedly meted out to Twinamatsiko while in police custody.

According to the association, the journalist was subjected to physical assault by several police constables inside the station.

“While in Police detention at the Station, Twinamatsiko was allegedly subjected to acts of torture in form of harsh beating, knocking against the wall, neck strangulation, nose squeezing, stomach punching, head hitting, among others, by some Police Constables,” UJA stated.

The association says the alleged assault lasted approximately 30 minutes and left the journalist with serious bodily injuries, including injuries to one of his eyes.

Following his release, Twinamatsiko reportedly sought medical treatment at Kampala International Teaching Hospital.

No similar allegations of physical assault were made against Sympathy Magezi, although UJA says both journalists were unlawfully detained while undertaking their professional duties.

UJA expressed with grief that the incident raises broader concerns about press freedom, access to information and accountability of public institutions.

The association cited Articles 29(1)(a) and 41 of the Constitution, which guarantee freedom of expression, media freedom and access to information.

“This act blatantly violates the constitutional right to freedom of the press and access to information,” Kirunda said.

The association further argued that police officers, as public servants funded by taxpayers, must remain open to scrutiny from the media and the public.

“UJA views their actions as a deliberate attempt to silence independent journalism, but also to shield their reported absenteeism conduct from public accountability.”

UJA has now called upon the Inspector General of Police to institute immediate investigations into the matter and ensure any officers found culpable are held personally accountable.

Among the demands issued by the association include an immediate investigation into the incident, accountability for all officers found responsible, payment of medical expenses incurred by the injured journalist, a formal clarification from police leadership regarding the incident and adoption of non-discriminatory media access policies that respect journalistic independence.

“The incident be immediately investigated by the IGP and all errant officers individually be held accountable for their actions as prescribed by the law,” the statement notes.

UJA warned that failure to address the matter could compel the association to pursue other legal and institutional remedies.

Growing Concerns Over Media Freedom

The incident comes amid continued concerns raised by local and international press freedom organisations regarding the treatment of journalists covering sensitive public-interest stories in Uganda.

Media rights groups have repeatedly called for stronger protections for journalists carrying out their professional duties, particularly during investigations involving public officials and security agencies.

The latest allegations are likely to renew debate about the relationship between law enforcement agencies and the media, especially in rural districts where journalists often operate with limited institutional protection.

As of Wednesday morning when this story was filed, Uganda Police Force had not yet issued a public response to the allegations contained in the UJA statement.

The association says it remains committed to defending press freedom, promoting ethical journalism and ensuring that duty bearers are held accountable.

“UJA reaffirms its unwavering commitment to defending press freedom, promoting ethical journalism, and holding duty bearers accountable,” Kirunda stated.

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