By Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
KAMPALA
Miracle Ibra, a journalist with Top TV, owned by Pastor Jackson Ssenyonga, has been injured in a scuffle as the Uganda Police’s Joint Anti-Terrorism (JAT) unit arrested National Unity Platform (NUP) candidate Elias Luyimbaazi Nalukoola. The incident occurred shortly after Nalukoola was nominated for the Kawempe North by-election. Unconfirmed reports suggest that Miracle may have been hit by a stray bullet.
Miracle, was putting on a press jacket branded for his media house when he was brutally attacked by the security personnel.
On Wednesday afternoon, police operatives arrested and briefly detained Nalukoola moments after he was officially nominated by the Electoral Commission at their offices in Kyebando. He was forcefully apprehended, bundled into a drone van, and transported to Kawempe Central Police Station.
During the arrest, police fired teargas and live bullets to disperse a handful of Nalukoola’s supporters. In the ensuing chaos, several people, including journalists, sustained injuries.
Earlier on, NUP President Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu alias Bobi Wine reported that security operatives clad in casual wear abducted Nalukoola’s agent, Charles Sserubiri who had his nomination documents.
“Regime thugs have trailed and abducted NUP Kawempe North Mobilisation Chairman Sserubiri Charles, who had the nomination documents for candidate Nalukoola! Basaaga!” Bobi Wine said.
Journalists’ Body, Uganda Journalists’ Association (UJA) has condemned police brutality against their colleague, Miracle Ibra and warned against taking actions after a thorough assessment of the situation.
“We strongly condemn these acts of impunity by the security personnel who are charged with the duty of ensuring the protection of journalists,” UJA condemned.
Four people have by close of business today been nominated to contest for Kawempe North by-election MP seat to replace the former legislator, Muhammad Ssegirinya who died on January 9. Hanifa Karadi Murerwa (Indep) – Clock Symbol was the first to be nominated followed by Luwemba Lusswa Muhammed (Indep) with a symbol of a Radio, Elias Luyimbazi Nalukoola (NUP), and Mukiibi Sadat aka Khalifah Aganaga (FDC). Independent candidate, Moses Nsereko who lost the NUP ticket returned on a wheelbarrow for nomination, unfortunately, he was sent back home after he failed to produce a professional portrait photo for use on his campaign poster during the election. Electoral commission officials advised him to return tomorrow with all necessary requirements for nomination.
As of press time, Miracle Ibra was still receiving treatment at an undisclosed medical facility. Further details regarding his condition remain unconfirmed.
