Kampala, 4th/May/2011, Anti riot police has shot a radio Simba journalist Christine Nabatanzi using a rubber bullet.
Nabatanzi, 24 year was shot in her right leg while covering the opposition Democratic Party (DP) supporters who were celebrating the release of their leader Norbert Mao on 2nd/May/2011after spending a fortnight in prison.
The wounded Nabatanzi covered the celebrations from Nakawa court where Mr. Mao had been released unconditionally. Supporters walked towards Kampala, Uganda’s capital until they were intercepted by anti riot police at Lugogo. Police used tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse the walking supporters.
Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda (HRNJ-Uganda) has learnt that the anti riot police targeted journalists who were covering the brutal attack on supporters.
“I was targeted by police because when they started dispersing supporters I ran but they shoot towards me. I realized that I had been shot after seeing blood flowing from the right leg in the flower garden where I had taken a cover. The garden was about 50 kilometers from the battle scene. I also survived a tear gas canister which fell near my head. Said Nabatanzi”
She said she called her boss who took her to Mulago national referral hospital but she could not be attended to by medical personnel.
Nabatanzi was later transferred to Kampala Medical Chambers clinic where doctors discovered hard particles in her heavily bleeding wound.
“All commanders of security institutions should be brought to justice for brutalizing Ugandans and journalists by international courts. We are convinced that national courts have failed to try these commandants due to obvious reasons” said HRNJ-Uganda Programmes Coordinator Geoffrey Wokulira Ssebaggala.
He said since the nation-wide walk to work protest started, frontline journalists have been targeted and brutalized by security organs accusing them to support protesters and incite violence
HRNJ-Uganda demands that commanders of security forces including police and army should be investigated and prosecuted.
For More Information Contact;
Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda (HRNJ-Uganda)
Kivebulaya Road – Mengo Kampala Opp. St. Marcelino Pre. School
P.O.BOX. 71314 Clock Tower Kampala
Tel: +256-414-272934 / +256-414-667627
E-mail: news@hrnjuganda.org
Website: www.hrnjuganda.org
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