Masaka journalists to boycott NUP activities
Journalists in the Greater Masaka region have taken a decisive stance by initiating an indefinite boycott of all events related to the National Unity Platform (NUP).
This action follows an incident where party President Robert Kyagulanyi’s bodyguards allegedly assaulted journalists during a burial in Lwengo District.
The assaulted journalists include Next Media's Zainab Namusaazi Ssengendo, NTV's Gertrude Mutyaba, and Radio Simba's Margaret Kayondo.
The incident, which took place amid tensions between rival NUP factions at the burial of a London based prominent businessman Pasikali Ssekasamba, resulted in damaged equipment and injured press members.
"We have tried to be calm, but they have ignored us," said Phiona Nanyomo of Bukedde TV in Bukomansimbi.
l "We will no longer cover their events until they show us respect and apologize for whatever they have done to our colleagues who are peacefully doing their work in Lwengo," she added.
The Greater Masaka journalists had issued a two-day ultimatum for an apology from NUP officials, which went unheeded.
NUP President Kyagulanyi and Leader of the Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi have yet to acknowledge the incident publicly, further frustrating the press corps.
In a Wednesday morning press briefing in Masaka city, the journalists announced their decision to halt coverage of NUP events indefinitely.
"We have now set an unlimited deadline until they come out and apologize for the assault and damage to the properties of our colleagues’ equipment," said Ezekiel Ssekweyama, a member of the Greater Masaka Journalists Association.
The journalists expressed disappointment in NUP leaders, particularly the leader of opposition Joel Ssenyonyi.
"Ssenyonyi, you have been one of us and are supposed to be defending us all. To start attacking us is a sign that you easily forget where you came from, even after our team was beaten by their supposed security," Ssekweyama added.
Maurice Matovu, secretary general of the Greater Masaka Journalists Association, urged NUP to respect democratic values and accountability.
"NUP must accept responsibility for their disrespectful deeds," he stated.
The journalists have vowed to maintain their boycott until their demands for an apology and reparations are met.
"We will no longer be used and disrespected by political parties and politicians," they declared.
