Security Forces Accused of Brutalising BBS TV Journalist During Election Prep Coverage
KAMPALA – In a stark contradiction to the government’s recent calls for professional and protected election coverage, a journalist with BBS Television was reportedly brutalised by security forces this morning, January 5, 2026.
The incident, which eyewitnesses describe as unprovoked, occurred as the journalist was filming a routine segment on public preparedness for the upcoming 2026 general elections. According to initial accounts, the reporter and their crew were approached by uniformed personnel who demanded they cease filming without providing a legal justification. When the journalist presented their accreditation and argued for their right to report, a physical altercation ensued, leaving the journalist with visible injuries.
A colleague who witnessed the event, stated, “It was a clear and violent overreach. Our team was operating professionally in a public space, complying with all known guidelines. The assault was not only on our colleague but on the very principle of a free press.”
This attack comes merely days after the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) addressed the media, emphasising the “central role” of journalists in democracy and the need for “professionalism” to maintain peace. The UCC’s own guidelines, reiterated last week, stress the importance of a safe operating environment for media personnel.
Verification & Official Response
The Brief post is actively verifying the specific unit involved and the condition of the injured journalist. Attempts to get an immediate comment from the Uganda Police Force and the UPDF spokesperson were ongoing at the time of publication. This article will be updated with any official statement.
A Breach of Trust and Protocol
The alleged brutality directly undermines the regulatory and ethical framework championed by authorities in the lead-up to the elections. It raises urgent questions about the security forces’ respect for media rights and their adherence to directives meant to ensure a stable electoral environment.
Media rights advocates have long warned that physical intimidation of journalists creates a climate of fear, leading to self-censorship and depriving the public of verified information—precisely the “fake news” void the UCC warned against.
A Call for Accountability
As the nation moves closer to a significant electoral period, this incident serves as a critical test for Uganda’s commitment to the principles it publicly espouses. The demand for a swift, transparent investigation and accountability for the officers involved is growing from civil society and media stakeholders.
The future of “responsible and professional election coverage” now hinges not just on media conduct, but equally on the state’s ability to protect those who deliver it.
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