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.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, 17th June 2026, UJA Secretary General Emmanuel Kirunda accused officers at the station of subjecting journalists Hillary Twinamatsiko, a correspondent with Nation Media Group (NMG), and Sympathy Magezi of Voice of Ruhinda to harassment while they were carrying out their professional duties on 15th June.
According to UJA, the two journalists had traveled to Kashensheero to independently verify reports alleging that police officers at the station were frequently absent from duty during official working hours.
The association says the journalists were allegedly tracked by police officers while conducting field interviews and were later intercepted and taken to Kashensheero Police Station, where they were detained between 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.
UJA further alleges that while in custody, Twinamatsiko was subjected to severe physical assault by police officers. The alleged abuse included beatings, being knocked against a wall, strangulation, nose squeezing, punches to the stomach, and blows to the head.
The association says the alleged assault lasted for approximately 30 minutes and left the journalist with injuries, including damage to one of his eyes. Following his release, Twinamatsiko reportedly sought medical treatment at Kampala International Teaching Hospital.
“This act blatantly violates the constitutional right to freedom of the press and access to information as enshrined under Articles 29(1)(a) and 41 of the Constitution,” UJA said in its statement.
The journalists’ body argued that police officers, as public servants funded by taxpayers, should remain open to scrutiny and accountability through the media rather than resorting to intimidation and violence.
UJA described the alleged actions as an attempt to suppress independent journalism and shield public officials from accountability.
The association has demanded an immediate investigation by the Inspector General of Police (IGP) into the incident and called for all officers found culpable to be held individually accountable under the law.
It also wants the Uganda Police Force to meet the journalists’ medical expenses and issue a formal statement clarifying the circumstances surrounding the incident.
In addition, UJA urged police leadership to adopt non-discriminatory media access policies that respect journalistic independence and protect journalists while performing their duties.
The association warned that should its demands go unaddressed, it would pursue other legal and administrative avenues to ensure justice for the affected journalists.
UJA reaffirmed its commitment to defending press freedom, promoting ethical journalism, and holding public officials accountable.
