Uganda jails seven soldiers for bloody assault on journalists

Seven Ugandan soldiers have been given jail sentences for bloody assault on journalists on Wednesday, the military has announced.

Six journalists sustained varied degrees of injuries due to the attack. They had gone to cover a petition presentation by opposition lawmaker Bobi Wine to a United Nations human rights office.

A disciplinary committee set up to investigate the widely condemned assault slapped the soldiers with sentences ranging between two and three months at a military detention facility.

The jailed group included four privates, a lance corporal and two captains. Uganda’s army chief had publicly apologised for the violence and promised that the culprits will be brought to justice.

“This is a deterrent measure to other members of the force not to engage in acts prejudicial to the good order and discipline of UPDF,” a social media post by the army spokesperson read along with photos of the jailed officers.

International bodies including the UN condemned the attack and demanded justice for the victims. Media and human rights bodies also condemned the attack in no uncertain terms.

Last week the European Union called on the Ugandan government to stop police and military attacks on journalists, human rights defenders and opposition politicians.

5.Pte Kisakye Victoria
6.Pte Opiyo Isaac
7.L/cpl Zirimenya Kassim
This is a deterrent measure to other members of the force not to engage in acts prejudicial to the good order and discipline of UPDF pic.twitter.com/cFoga4aDt9

— Brig Gen Flavia Byekwaso (@UPDFspokespersn) February 18, 2021