By Mbalire Brian Kisuule II
(Your Daily News)
Ugandan security forces have arrested and expelled Sky News Africa Correspondent Yousra Elbagir and her entire news crew after they were caught filming police and military personnel violently assaulting opposition supporters in Kampala.
According to multiple sources on the ground, the bullet-proof-clad journalist was detained while documenting security forces in action as they beat supporters of National Unity Platform (NUP) leader president Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, aka Bobi Wine. The incident occurred during ongoing operations targeting opposition gatherings following Uganda’s highly disputed general elections.
Yousra Elbagir, a respected investigative journalist, has in recent weeks been reporting extensively on the post-election violence and alleged human rights abuses committed against opposition supporters across the country. Her coverage has highlighted arbitrary arrests, beatings, enforced disappearances, and the heavy militarization of civilian areas.
Ironically, just days before her arrest, Elbagir had conducted an exclusive interview with senile dictator Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, who has ruled Uganda since 1986 and was recently declared winner of yet another presidential election at the age of 81. The election results have been widely questioned by opposition leaders, civil society groups, and international observers, citing voter intimidation, internet shutdowns, killing opposition supporters and suppression of dissent.
Sources indicate that the Sky News crew was arrested specifically for filming security forces beating unarmed civilians believed to be supporters of Bobi Wine. The footage reportedly angered authorities, who accused the journalists of endangering national security and misrepresenting the actions of the state.
As of press time, Yousra Elbagir and her team were reportedly being escorted out of the country, with authorities claiming the move was for their “own safety.” Critics, however, say the expulsion is a deliberate attempt to silence independent journalism and prevent the international community from witnessing the scale of state violence unfolding in Uganda.
Meanwhile, Bobi Wine, the main opposition leader and Museveni’s chief challenger, remains on run for fear of his life, with heavy military deployment surrounding his residence. His movements and communications have reportedly been restricted, further fueling accusations that the government is crushing political opposition through force.
The arrest and expulsion of an international journalist have sparked outrage among press freedom advocates and human rights organizations, who warn that Uganda is rapidly descending into authoritarianism. They argue that targeting foreign media sends a chilling message to both local and international journalists covering the country’s political situation.
This latest incident adds to a growing list of concerns over Uganda’s democratic space, freedom of the press, and respect for human rights, as tyrant Museveni tightens his grip on power amid mounting domestic and international criticism.
As tensions remain high, calls are growing for independent investigations into post-election violence and for the immediate lifting of restrictions on opposition leaders, journalists, and civil society actors.
