The Uganda Journalists Association (UJA) has strongly condemned what it called intimidation and verbal attacks against Galaxy TV and Radio journalist David Mwesigwa by Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja and Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary Dr. Diana Atwine.
The two government officials allegedly branded Mwesigwa a “liar” and even suggested his arrest after he raised concerns about the state of public health services in Mukono, Namuganga, and Kayunga during President Museveni’s post-nomination press conference at the Electoral Commission headquarters in Lubowa.
According to UJA, Mwesigwa had repeatedly raised the same concerns in the past, including during a June meeting between journalists from the Greater Mukono sub-region and the President.
Although the President reportedly directed his aide Gen. Proscovia Nalweyiso to follow up, the matter remained unresolved.
When Mwesigwa later approached Dr. Atwine, UJA claims she too failed to take action, prompting him to bring the issue directly to the head of state once again.
UJA accused the Prime Minister and Dr. Atwine of attempting to “sanitize” the health facilities before her visit, mobilizing local leaders and instructing patients on what to say.
The association noted that even during the inspection, Nabbanja admitted there were urgent gaps in Mukono health facility, reinforcing what Mwesigwa had reported.
“The attack on our member was an attack on all journalists performing their watchdog duty,” said Emmanuel Kirunda, Secretary General of UJA.
“Even if Mwesigwa was considered wrong, it does not alienate his constitutional right to free expression and professional practice. What happened was aimed at intimidating and gagging the press from exposing failures in public service delivery.”
The journalists’ body further rejected claims that Mwesigwa dodged Kayunga district hospital during Nabbanja’s visit. Instead, they said he had been blocked from joining the convoy by one of her police guards.
UJA announced that it will stand in solidarity with Mwesigwa when he reports to police, as ordered by the Prime Minister, by escorting him in a large procession of journalists.
The association has also instructed its legal team to prepare for any possible rights violations during the process.
Kirunda stressed that the association would not relent in defending media freedoms: “We affirm our support to journalist Mwesigwa and all journalists who courageously expose public sector ills. We shall ensure their rights are not trampled upon.”