More than 100 journalists were attacked in 2011 as they executed their duties, a new report by the Human Rights Network for Journalists (HRNJ-Uganda) has revealed.
The number jumped from 58 recorded cases in 2010 to 107 in 2011. In 2009, only 38 cases were reported.
The report comes a few days after the Reporters Without Borders released a report showing that Uganda has slipped 43 places to 139th position in worldwide press freedom.
Both reports attribute the increase to government crackdown on public protests. The media were targeted as the security services sought to stop especially broadcast reporters from filming the demonstrations.
The HRNJ report released on Wednesday recorded various incidents during which journalists were arrested, shot at, detained, denied access to news scenes, abused verbally and also, their equipment confiscated by state and non- state actors.
However, most of the attacks were mainly by the Police, military, government officials and individuals linked to the government, the report notes.
