The growing number of attacks on journalists by armed forces in Uganda has sparked alarm among media rights organisations, human rights activists, and the press community.

Reports indicate that security personnel have intensified harassment, intimidation, and physical assaults against journalists, particularly those covering politically sensitive stories and protests.

In the latest incident, more than ten journalists from local media houses were beaten by military personnel while covering campaigns and elections in Kampala.

Witnesses say security forces accused them of filming "unauthorised content" before assaulting them and damaging their equipment.

According to the Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda (HRNJ-U), at least 15 journalists have been attacked in the past two months alone, facing arbitrary arrests, beatings, and destruction of work tools.

HRNJ-U Executive Director Robert Ssempala condemned the attacks, calling them "an assault on democracy."

"Freedom of the press is a fundamental right. When journalists are attacked, the entire society suffers because access to information is restricted," Ssempala said.

The Uganda Police Force has denied allegations of deliberately targeting journalists but admitted that some officers "may have used excessive force" during crowd control operations.

However, media rights organisations argue that past assurances have rarely led to justice for victims.

They are calling for stronger legal protections for journalists and an end to impunity for security forces involved in press attacks.

As Uganda prepares for upcoming elections, concerns are growing that media suppression could worsen, further restricting press freedom.

Journalists and rights groups are urging the government to uphold constitutional guarantees for a free press and ensure the safety of reporters covering critical stories.