An unusual incident occurred at Nsambya Hospital yesterday, as various journalists from Uganda gathered to visit their colleague, Miracle Ibrah, who was injured before completing his assignment of documenting the by-election for the Kawempe North Member of Parliament.
Miracle Ibrah, a journalist with Top TV, was covering news related to the electoral commission during the by-election documentation process while stationed at the Kawempe North MP's office. However, yesterday, he was rushed to Nsambya Hospital in critical condition, and today, leaders from various journalists' associations and other individuals have come to check on him.
Robert Ssempala, the head of the Human Rights Network for Journalists (HRNJ), an organization that advocates for journalists' rights in Uganda, expressed deep concern over leaders who have failed to protect journalists. Ssempala stated that they will do everything possible to ensure justice for Miracle Ibrah, but he also called on security leaders to ensure that soldiers do not harm journalists.
Kirunda Emmanuel, the secretary of the Uganda Journalists Association, urged journalists to remain vigilant and expressed his disappointment with soldiers who act with impunity. He emphasized that those who attack journalists should be held accountable for their actions.
According to doctors at Nsambya Hospital, Miracle Ibrah suffered severe eye injuries, with the eye being deeply affected. The doctors mentioned that they will need to perform three surgeries to remove the eye, as it has been severely damaged.
Abubaker Lubowa, a journalist and advocate for journalists' rights, also visited Nsambya Hospital and expressed fear over the increasing brutality of soldiers during critical times.
Currently, Miracle Ibrah is in urgent need of blood, as medical experts have indicated that his life is at great risk, and he may not be able to return to his journalism work.
Call for the Protection of Journalists' Rights
This is a critical time to urge leaders to protect journalists' rights worldwide. Journalists have the duty to inform the public and expose what happens in society, and they should not face harm or obstruction while performing their duties.
We call on leaders to ensure that journalists can carry out their work without fear of injury or obstruction. Miracle Ibrah now needs the support of everyone to help him recover from the injury to his eye, and we ask people to contribute financially to his treatment.
Conclusion
We urge all journalists to remain fearless in their work and to protect their rights at all times. Miracle Ibrah currently needs the support of everyone, and we call on leaders to ensure that journalists are not harmed while performing their duties.
