Bizarre As Bobi Wine Angry Bodyguards Assault Journalists, Damage Cameras In Masaka

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A troubling incident unfolded in Masaka on Saturday involving the security personnel of Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine, who assaulted multiple journalists and damaged their cameras.

The altercation occurred during Mr. Kyagulanyi’s presence at the funeral of Pascal Ssekasamba in Manga Village, Kiseka Subcounty, Lwengo District.Among the journalists physically confronted was Zainab Namusaazi Ssengendo from Next Media.

“I witnessed the bodyguards of Kyagulanyi attacking Margaret Kayondo, a journalist from Radio Simba in Masaka,”

Ms. Ssengendo recounted. “I intervened, urging them to cease their aggression, but one of them, wearing a black mask, forcibly tripped me.”

Eddy Mutwe, Bobi Wine’s security head, intervened to restrain the unruly individuals, but one, Achileo Kivumbi, continued the aggression by damaging Ms. Ssengendo’s camera lens.

The altercation resulted in minor injuries to some journalists and significant equipment damage, including cameras.Describing the scene as “chaotic and unjustified,” Ms. Kayondo emphasized the journalists were merely performing their duty to cover a public event when they were attacked.

As of now, Mr. Kyagulanyi, the president of the National Unity Platform (NUP), has not issued a statement regarding the incident.

The Greater Masaka Journalists Association has demanded swift action against the perpetrators, denouncing the assault as an attack on press freedom and journalists’ rights.

“This is a blatant attack on press freedom and the rights of journalists to report freely and safely,” said Antonio Kalyango, a member of the fraternity that goes by its acronym, GREMAJA.

“We demand that Kyagulanyi and his team take responsibility for this unacceptable behaviour and ensure that those involved are held accountable.”

Kalyango added, “It’s really absurd that security agencies are still topping the list of the violators of our rights as journalists, worse still, even those seeking to take over from the sitting regime have already instituted gangs that are ready to harass us, imagine how could the situation be if they hold state power.”

He further highlighted the disturbing trend of security agencies and aspiring political figures violating journalists’ rights, urging vigilance during the upcoming 2026 election period.

Kalyango urged the Human Rights Network for Journalists to intervene, emphasizing the need to halt violations against journalists, especially as the country prepares for the 2026 general election campaigns.

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