Calls for accountability are intensifying after two journalists were allegedly assaulted and detained by police while attempting to verify claims circulating on TikTok about a police station in western Uganda.
The journalists had reportedly visited Kashenshero Town Council Police Station following a viral video alleging that the facility is often left unattended. Their attempt to confirm the claims allegedly escalated into confrontation with officers on duty.
The duo later alleged that they were detained and subjected to degrading treatment while in custody, including being forced to eat mandazi under humiliating conditions. The claims have not been independently verified.
Media freedom advocates say the incident raises serious concerns about the safety of journalists covering public institutions, especially in rural areas where oversight mechanisms are often limited.
The Uganda Police Force has not yet issued an official response to the allegations, even as pressure mounts from journalists’ associations and civil society organizations demanding clarity on what transpired.
Human rights observers note that if confirmed, the incident could deepen mistrust between the media and security agencies in districts such as Mitooma District, Uganda, where disputes over policing practices have periodically surfaced.
As attention grows, stakeholders are urging swift investigations and stronger protections for journalists engaged in verification and investigative reporting.
