Army disciplinary court at Makindye Military barracks in Kampala has sentenced seven officers who participated in clobbering journalists who were assigned to cover Robert Ssentamu Kyagulanyi when he was delivering his petition to the United Nations Human Rights Commission in Kololo.
The officers have been identified as Capt Jessy Odwenyi,Cpl Nimusiima Justine,Pte Wasswa Peter,Pte Tsame Imran,Pte Kisakye Victoria,Pte Opiyo Isaac and L/cpl Zirimenya Kassim.
Brig Gen Flavia Byekwaso UPDF spokesperson revealed that such trial will act as a deterrent measure to other members of the force not to engage in acts prejudicial to the good order and discipline of the UPDF
The Chief of Defense Forces (CDF) Gen. David Muhoozi had already apologized to the media fraternity and pledged to take action against the UPDF officers who meted brutality against journalists yesterday.
He decried of such indescribable incidents saying investigations will be done and the officers involved will be prosecuted individually.
Some of the victims are; New Vision’s Henry Ssekanjakko and Timothy Murungi, NTV’s Cliff Wamala, Daily Monitor’s Irene Abalo Otto, Shamim Nabakooza of Record TV, and Galaxy FM’s Nalule Amina. Other victims are NBS TV’s Josephine Namakumbi, Joseph Sabiti and Thomas Kitimbo.
The army commander said the journalists who sustained injuries will be assisted in meeting their medical bills.
