The Speaker of Parliament, Annet Anita Among, has ordered an immediate investigation into the alleged assault on TV journalist Miracle Ibbra by Joint Anti-Terrorism Taskforce (JAT) personnel.
The assault occurred on February 26, 2025, during the nomination of National Unity Platform (NUP) candidate Erias Luyimba Nalukoola for the Kawempe North MP by-election.
Addressing Parliament on Thursday, Among dismissed claims that the government sanctioned the attack, emphasising the government’s responsibility to protect citizens rather than harm them.
“It’s unfortunate what happened to the journalist. We must establish who was responsible because no one is above the law. However, the government cannot issue such an order,” Among stated.
She directed the Leader of Government Business, represented by State Minister for Trade David Bahati, to visit the hospitalised journalist, conduct an investigation, and report back to Parliament.
The matter was brought up in Parliament by the Leader of the Opposition, Joel Ssenyonyi, who accused JAT agents of brutally assaulting both Nalukoola and Ibbra.
LoP Ssenyonyi questioned why the Anti-Terrorism Taskforce was present at a nomination ceremony normally handled by Uganda Police.
Ssenyonyi, who described Ibbra’s condition as critical at Nsambya Hospital, called for immediate justice.
He also criticised Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja for accusing him of slandering the government, claiming that such incidents harm the government’s reputation more than any opposition statements.
In response, Minister Bahati cautioned against premature conclusions but assured Parliament that the government would pursue justice in the matter.
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