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Following Otafiire’s remarks, the UPPA resolved to boycott all Uganda Police Force coverage until the government takes accountability for the attacks on journalists
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By Our Reporter
Parliament - The Uganda Parliamentary Press Association (UPPA) has announced a boycott of Uganda Police Force coverage after the Minister of Internal Affairs, Kahinda Otafiire, refused to apologize for the brutality meted out on journalists during the Kawempe by-elections.
Otafiire dismissed calls for an apology, arguing that President Yoweri Museveni had already addressed the issue, and as a Minister, he had nothing further to add.
“When one reaches Jesus, they don’t need a Bishop to plead on their behalf,” Otafiire remarked, implying that Museveni’s statement was final on the matter.
MPs demand minister’s apology
The demand for an apology was first raised by Hon. Lutamaguzi Ssemakula (Nakaseke South), who insisted that the Minister should take responsibility for the brutality and abductions inflicted upon members of the Fourth Estate. However, Otafiire rejected the demands, arguing that he was away in Zimbabwe when the Kawempe by-election chaos unfolded. MPs Peter Okeyoh (Bukooli Island) and Wilson Kajwengye (Nyabushozi County) defended Otafiire’s position, calling for the meeting to proceed with the consideration of the Ministerial Policy Statement. However, Hon. James Kaberuka (Kinkizi West) strongly opposed this, warning against ignoring the serious issue of police brutality.
Hon. James Kaberuka
Call for investigation into masked operatives
Hon. Kaberuka also intensified calls for Parliament to investigate the identities of the masked individuals who allegedly brutalized Ugandans during the Kawempe by-elections.
“We need to know who these people are. Let’s not dismiss this lightly. While the State Minister for Internal Affairs, David Muhoozi, presented a paper in Parliament, several demands remain unanswered, including the need to identify those behind the brutality,” Kaberuka argued.
Otafiire denies responsibility for "goons"
In response, Minister Otafiire distanced himself from the security operatives who allegedly carried out the violence, claiming that while he and Minister Muhoozi oversee the Uganda Police Force, they are not responsible for the actions of rogue elements.
“We are in charge of the police, but we are not responsible for the activities of the goons," he remarked.
Despite continued pressure from MPs, Otafiire refused to acknowledge any wrongdoing, instead directing Parliament to refer any further concerns to President Museveni.
“My colleague, the Minister of State, addressed Parliament, and the President has made a statement. We are bound by collective Cabinet responsibility, so if you have any further questions, direct them to the Chief Executive,” Otafiire insisted.
Journalists’ boycott of police coverage
Following Otafiire’s remarks, the UPPA resolved to boycott all Uganda Police Force coverage until the government takes accountability for the attacks on journalists. The association accused the police of repeatedly targeting reporters with impunity and demanded that the government name and prosecute the officers responsible. Journalists and media rights groups have since condemned the continued harassment of journalists, warning that such actions undermine press freedom and democracy in Uganda.
The boycott is expected to escalate tensions between the media and security agencies, with calls growing louder for police reforms and accountability in handling journalists.
Torch Media Africa
