The Uganda Journalists Association (UJA) has strongly condemned the recent verbal attacks and threats against Galaxy TV and Radio journalist, David Mwesigwa, by Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja and Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary Dr. Diana Atwine. According to UJA, the senior officials unfairly branded Mwesigwa a liar and even called for his arrest after he raised concerns about the poor state of government health facilities in Mukono and Kayunga districts.
UJA explains that Mwesigwa’s concerns were not new. Earlier in June, he had brought the same issues to the attention of President Museveni during a meeting with journalists from the greater Mukono sub-region. The President reportedly directed Gen. Nalweyiso to follow up on the matter, but little was done. After receiving no response from both Gen. Nalweyiso and Dr. Atwine, Mwesigwa once again raised the matter directly with the President at his post-nomination press conference. This time, Museveni directed Prime Minister Nabbanja to intervene.
Instead of addressing the concerns, UJA says the Prime Minister and the Permanent Secretary launched attacks on the journalist. While visiting Mukono Health Centre, Nabbanja reportedly acknowledged that the facility indeed needed urgent intervention, confirming what Mwesigwa had earlier reported. However, during her stop in Kayunga, Nabbanja and Dr. Atwine publicly dismissed Mwesigwa as a liar and demanded his arrest, claiming the health facilities had no such problems.
According to UJA, efforts were made by local leaders to sanitize the health facilities ahead of Nabbanja’s visit, including instructing patients and health workers on what to say to the media. Despite these attempts, UJA maintains that there are undeniable issues at Mukono, Namuganga, Kayunga, and other facilities such as Kawempe Hospital, which urgently need government action.
The journalists’ body also dismissed claims that Mwesigwa avoided the Prime Minister’s visit to Kayunga. They say he was blocked by one of Nabbanja’s police guards from joining the convoy, contrary to accusations that he “feared to show up.” UJA further revealed that one of Nabbanja’s press assistants had already intimidated Mwesigwa through a phone call, compelling him to report himself to police.
In a strongly worded statement, UJA described the actions of Nabbanja and Dr. Atwine as a direct attack on press freedom and an attempt to gag journalists from exposing weaknesses in government service delivery. The association reminded the officials that even if they disagreed with Mwesigwa, he is protected by the Constitution under Articles 29(1)a and 40(2), which guarantee freedom of expression and the right to work.
Standing firmly in solidarity, UJA announced that all journalists under its umbrella will escort Mwesigwa in a peaceful procession when he goes to report to police, as directed by the Prime Minister. The association has also instructed its legal team to take action and ensure Mwesigwa’s rights are protected.
“The attack on Mwesigwa is not just an attack on one journalist, but on the entire media fraternity,” UJA Secretary General Emmanuel Kirunda said. “Journalists are watchdogs, and attempts to intimidate them only weaken democracy and the public’s right to know.”
