Police Arrests, Suspends Own Offers over Spraying Tear gas, Pepper Spray to Journalists Covering Medical Intern Students' Demonstrations.

The leadership of the Uganda Police Force-UPF has arrested and suspended three of its own officers over acting unprofessional and spraying pepper spray to journalists who were covering the peaceful demonstrations by the Uganda medical intern students in Mulago yesterday.

Police has also strongly condemned the recent attack on two journalists from Next Media, Isano Francis and Thomas Kitimbo.

The incident took place during the dispersal of pre-intern doctors who were demonstrating around Mulago Guest House in Wandegeya on April 11, 2023. The journalists were pepper-sprayed and physically assaulted by an officer identified as CPL Ogwal Yeeko, and initiated an investigation into his conduct. The UPF has also reached out to Next Media to express their regret over the actions of their officers and has urged the journalists to record their statements with the Professional Standards Unit (PSU) to allow charges to be brought against the officers.

Police spokesperson Fred Enanga said that the Police force has a long and proud history with the media, particularly crime reporters, whose work has helped shape society. But the recent incident Enanga said highlights the need for further action to protect journalists and reporters so that they can continue to inform the public without fear or favor.

“As an organisation, we have a long and proud history with the media, especially crime reporters, whose journalistic work has helped shape our institution and society. And for the last two years we have an incident – free working relationship. However, the action of our officers, indicates that there is still work that we must do, to better protect journalists and reporters, so that they can play their part in keeping the public informed without fear or favour. We are going to ensure that they go about their work without being intimidated, attacked or threatened”, Enanga said.

As part of this commitment, the UPF has issued a new administrative circular to all territorial commanders to regularly review their enforcement operations. “We have also sent out a new administrative circular to all territorial commanders to regularly review their enforcement operations, in line with what the public rightly expects from them”, he added.

The UPF has also taken action against other officers who failed to meet the expected standards during enforcement operations, including ASP Kamulya Sowali, the OC Field Force Unit Kira division, AIP Ogwang John Steven, the OC operations Wandegeya, and PC Laker Harriet. These officers are currently undergoing investigations by the Professional Standards Unit (PSU).

In conclusion, the UPF reiterated its commitment to working together with journalists to ensure that they can continue to play their vital role in informing the public.