In a distressing incident in Kampala, Male Deogratius, a well-known journalist for Hoima Post and Metro FM, was violently assaulted near his home in the Makindye Division around 10 PM on Monday. Known also by his professional moniker, Omusawo Tintah, Deogratius was targeted by unidentified assailants who left him with severe injuries.
After the attack, he was swiftly transported to Good Samaritan Clinic in Makindye for medical attention, where he is currently recuperating from wounds and undergoing treatment. During a phone interview, Deogratius, struggling to breathe, recounted the ordeal, stating the assailants demanded to know the sources of his funding and his motivation for reporting on human rights and LGBTQ rights through his platform, “www.hoimapost.com.” They threatened him with harm to him and his family if he continued his advocacy work.
Deogratius also mentioned receiving numerous threatening texts prior to this incident, warning him to cease his activism in these sensitive areas.
The attack not only highlights personal risks but also underscores broader concerns under Uganda’s stringent Anti-Homosexuality Law enacted in May 2023. This legislation imposes life imprisonment for consensual same-sex relations and threatens 20 years of imprisonment for anyone disseminating material that could be perceived as supportive of LGBTQ rights.
The Uganda Journalists Association (UJA), through its spokesperson Kabuye Ronald, has vehemently condemned the assault, labeling it a blatant violation of press freedom as stipulated in Articles 29 and 40 of the 1995 Constitution of Uganda. The UJA has urged police to thoroughly investigate and ensure the perpetrators are held accountable.
This latest attack is indicative of the increasing dangers facing journalists in Uganda, particularly those who engage with controversial or politically sensitive topics. Male Deogratius remains a dedicated journalist and radio presenter, deeply invested in advocating for human rights and addressing national issues.
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