Kampala — An organisation advocating for the rights of journalists yesterday condemned an incident on Monday in which city businessman Hassan Basajjabalaba assaulted a New vision journalist, Arthur Kintu, at Namboole during the NRM special organs conference.

Kintu was taking Basajjabalaba's photo shortly after he had been re-elected as chairperson of the League of Entrepreneurs when he was attacked. The case was reported at Namboole Police post.  The Human Rights Network for Journalists called on the Police to investigate the incident.

The organisation warned that if no action is taken, it would take Basajjabalaba to court. Wokulira Ssebaggala, the programmes coordinator, said Kintu could also institute a civil case against Basajjabalaba, seeking compensation for the damage caused to his camera. "This is not the first time Basajja is doing this, but the third," Ssebaggala said.

He cited a journalist with Radio One and another in Western Uganda as some of the businessman's recent victims. Ssebaggala called on the NRM, the party to which Basajjabalaba subscribes, not to shield him. They suggested it suspends him.

Kintu said he was determined to take the matter to court. "If he thinks it is routine for him to assault journalists, he must stop. We have covered more important people and they do not behave that way."

Last evening, NRM deputy spokesperson Ofwono Opondo disassociated the party from the incident. He said the party secretary general had directed an investigation into the matter.

"If it means bringing the matter before the disciplinary committee, so be it," Ofwono said.