The Uganda Journalists Association (UJA) has threatened to boycott opposition Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) party activities, following an assault of reporters by party officials.
The journalists who had gone to cover the FDC weekly press conference at the party offices in Najjanankumbi on Monday were locked in the boardroom before being assaulted.
The UJA Secretary for Information Ronald Kabuye says trouble began when the reporters complained of the late cancellation of the press conference.
“It all started when the journalists complained of the late cancellation of the press conference, way beyond the stipulated time, which prompted the party known officials who work as security officers to lock them(journalists) in the boardroom before battering some of them,” Kabuye said in a statement
“The two errant officials were identified as Henry Katumba and a one George,” he added. Although Kabuye said none of the reporters was injured in the scuffle, the journalists’ body is demanding an immediate public apology from FDC over the mistreatment of reporters or else they cease covering the opposition party activities.
“As Uganda Journalists Association (UJA) we demand for a public apology from the party leadership not later than today (Monday). They (FDC) must also give us an assurance that the same will never happen again. Failure to adhere to our demands, we shall boycott all the party activities,” the UJA statement indicated.
Former FDC spokesman posted a short apology on his Facebook page.
“I sincerely apologise to our brothers and sisters of the media fraternity. I apologize on behalf of FDC Party. We will ensure that what happened today will never ever happen again.
Sorry folks!”
– Kampala Post