Journalist Assaulted While Covering Bobi Wine Campaign
Police in eastern Uganda have been accused of violently assaulting a journalist covering opposition presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine, as tensions escalate ahead of the January 15, 2026, elections.
On Monday, January 5, 2026, in Kween District, Ivan Mbadi, a reporter with Buganda Kingdom–owned BBS Terefayina TV, was reportedly singled out and attacked by uniformed police officers while covering Bobi Wine’s campaign stop in Cheminy Village. Witnesses said security forces fired tear gas to disperse supporters gathered for the candidate’s arrival before confronting journalists who were documenting the scene.
Video footage circulating on social media appears to show two officers, believed to be from the Counter Terrorism Unit, restraining journalist Ivan Mbadi and repeatedly slamming his head against a stationary vehicle. Mbadi was later taken to a local hospital for treatment. Several other reporters in the area were reportedly affected by tear gas as police moved to disperse the campaign rally.
The incident has triggered widespread condemnation from journalists across Uganda and internationally, many of whom took to social media to denounce the violence. CNN international correspondent Larry Madowo described the incident as an apparent assault and strangling of a journalist covering Bobi Wine’s campaign and expressed solidarity with Mbadi and journalists working under increasingly hostile conditions. Other journalists echoed similar concerns, warning that such actions pose a serious threat to press freedom and the public’s right to information.
Adding to the condemnation, Ukweli Team Lead Godfrey Badebeye strongly criticised the assault, describing it as
unacceptable and dangerous.
He noted that attacking journalists for doing their work undermines democratic principles and called on security agencies to respect the role of the media, especially during an election period.
In light of the risks faced by journalists, Ukweli Africa urges media practitioners to prioritise their safety while covering political events. We advise Journalists to clearly identify themselves as members of the press, work in pairs or teams where possible, maintain regular communication with their editors, and avoid isolated or highly volatile situations. Wearing protective gear, keeping emergency contacts accessible, and promptly reporting threats or assaults to media houses and press freedom organisations are also essential safety measures.
While we encourage journalists to take precaution, the primary responsibility for your safety as a journalist lies with the state. All acts of violence and intimidation against journalists are condemned, and authorities are urged to ensure a safe and enabling environment for the media to operate freely and without fear.
The alleged assault has once again raised alarm over press freedom and political space in Uganda ahead of the elections, in which opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, is challenging long-time president Yoweri Museveni. It also comes amid broader concerns about the treatment of opposition supporters and journalists in Uganda’s tense electoral climate.
The violence against journalists is unequivocally condemned. Journalism is not a crime, and all journalists must be allowed to work freely and safely without fear of intimidation or abuse.
