By Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
KAMPALA
Top TV journalist Miracle Ibrah has opened up about the horrifying ordeal he suffered at the hands of security operatives, leaving him with severe injuries, including a critically damaged left eye.
Speaking from his hospital bed, Miracle recounted how officers from the Joint Anti-Terrorism Taskforce (JAT) clobbered him, pushed him into a trench, and brutally assaulted him while covering the chaotic arrest of a National Unity Platform (NUP) candidate in Kawempe.
“They beat me mercilessly, targeting my left eye. My bones were broken, and even when I was rushed to a clinic, JAT officers stormed in, and assaulted the nurses, denying me immediate medical attention due to delays caused by this commotion,” he narrated.
Miracle revealed that he has undergone three surgeries so far, with doctors uncertain about the full recovery of his eyesight.
“The doctors tell me there are more surgeries ahead, but they are unsure if I will ever regain full vision,” he added.
The attack has sparked widespread condemnation, with the Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Joel Ssenyonyi, journalist associations, and human rights activists demanding justice and full government compensation for Miracle’s medical expenses.
The Uganda Journalists Association (UJA) and the Human Rights Network for Journalists (HRNJ-Uganda) have called for urgent investigations, decrying the rising trend of violence against journalists in Uganda.
Despite his pain, Miracle remains hopeful for justice, and quicker recovery.
“I just want to recover and continue doing my job without fear. I also demand for justice. My camera was damaged and I want it replaced,” he said.
Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among, condemned the attack, describing it as “very unfortunate.” She directed the Minister of State for Trade, Hon. David Bahati, to investigate and provide a report on the incident.
“No one is above the law. We must establish who was responsible for this brutality and ensure they are held accountable,” she said.
The Minister of State for Trade Industries and Cooperatives (Industries), David Bahati, pledged that the government would follow up on the matter.
“Security agencies are meant to protect citizens, not harm them. We will visit the journalist and take necessary action,” he said.
