Gulu, Oct.22, 2024—The Northern Uganda Media Club (NUMEC) strongly condemns the vicious assault by “town agents” on Romeo Lil Okot, a freelance journalist working with Favour FM and TND News.
Mr. Okot was attacked at 10:00 am by “town agents” while covering a protest by Local Councilors (LCs) over their unpaid arrears at Bardege-Layibi division offices in Gulu City on October 21, 2024.
Despite Mr. Okot showing his press credentials, the said “town agents,” led by one Mathew Owacgiu, attempted to confiscate his camera in vain. Then the group began punching Mr. Okot in the chest and ribs, ripping his shirt off.
Mr. Okot, who is currently nursing injuries, defended himself and made sure that his camera—press and identification cards — were safe.
This disturbing incident is a grave violation of press freedom, human rights, and the fundamental principles of democracy. NUMEC is exploring all the possible mechanisms for redress including taking legal action.
As NUMEC, “we demand that the police together with the Gulu City Council investigate the matter so that the perpetrators are brought to book,” said Charles Akena, the NUMEC Programs Administrator.
“Such acts, if not dealt with immediately, will further suppress media coverage and freedom of expression in the region,” stressed Mr. Akena, adding that “we also demand that Mr. Okot is compensated for all medical costs.”
This incidence is alarming, especially considering the recent history of violence against journalists in Gulu City— and across Uganda. In May this year, two journalists from Favour FM were similarly attacked, highlighting a disturbing trend of intimidation and hostility toward media practitioners in the country.
About Us
Northern Uganda Media Club (NUMEC) is an independent, non-partisan media development organization founded by journalists and media professionals in Gulu, Northern Uganda. It’s a membership-based media resource conceived to revitalise the media terrain in northern Uganda to help catalyse peace, recovery, reconciliation, and development and promote media freedom and access to information in the region devastated by a two-decade armed conflict orchestrated by Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA).
For more information, please contact:
Charles Akena
Center Administrator,
Northern Uganda Media Club (NUMEC)
Tel: 0782508589; email: info@numec.org / charles.akena@gmail.com
