Kampala — The International Federation of Journalists, a Belgium-based media rights advocacy group, has condemned the recent attack and attempted abduction of a Ugandan journalist and media rights advocate by unidentified assailants.

Mr Geoffrey Wokulira Ssebagala, who in August controversially lost his job at the Catholic-founded Radio Sapienta on the orders of State House and is currently working as the Programmes Coordinator for Human Rights Network for Journalists (HRNJ), was robbed on Monday night after a failed attempt to kidnap him.

"The attempted abduction of Mr Ssebagala is no doubt orchestrated by those who feel threatened by his work as a journalist and advocate for other journalists," said Mr Gabriel Baglo, the director of the IFJ Africa Office; in a statement on Wednesday.

"Authorities must find those who are responsible and ensure Mr Ssebaggala's safety. Our colleague has broadcast reports that are critical of the government and others and we are concerned that this attack was in retaliation for his work."

The statement said the attack followed numerous threatening calls made to Mr Ssebaggala earlier warning him that he was in imminent danger due to his work. The threats came after he said in a radio interview that hundreds of people are being detained and tortured in army safe houses without trial and said there have been extra-judicial killings of Ugandans.

He was attacked on Monday evening by unidentified men believed to be soldiers who knocked him off his motorcycle while he was riding home. His attackers picked him up from the ground and tried to force him into their car.

In the struggle which ensued, Mr Ssebaggala reportedly shouted out for help and was luckily rescued by people within the vicinity. The attackers stole a laptop, a camera and a mobile phone used as a hotline for journalists that Mr Ssebaggala was carrying with him. He suffered back injuries and in the attack. "On Tuesday, a caller claiming to be one of his attackers said that he was still being watched and that they will get him anytime they want. Mr Ssebaggala had filed a statement with the Police who have promised to investigate the matter," the statement added.