A camera operator with NBS Television has reportedly been assaulted by enforcement officers from the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) while filming ongoing operations aimed at removing illegal street vendors in downtown Kampala.
The journalist, identified as Kiberu Sirajje, was documenting enforcement activity when the alleged attack occurred. The incident has raised fresh concerns about the safety of media professionals covering public operations in the city.
Dear @KCCAUG
Mu batembeeyi tulina abaana n’ebyaana?!
This is how they end up getting back on the streets. By the way, some of your officers were not even far away from the point these clips were recorded. Observe in frame 2 and 3.
Please be just and fair in your operations.… pic.twitter.com/u3HNvFRr40
— Erich Mboowa (@erich_mboowa) March 5, 2026
According to accounts from colleagues and preliminary reports, Sirajje had been filming enforcement teams as they attempted to clear vendors who had returned to the streets along Namirembe Road, an area authorities have repeatedly targeted in efforts to restore order in the city centre.
While recording the operation, Sirajje reportedly noticed some officers appearing to shield certain street vendors and allowing them to continue operating near the entrance to Kikuubo. As he continued documenting the situation, he was confronted by several officers.
The cameraman alleges that on Wednesday, March 4, he was surrounded by three enforcement officers in KCCA uniform identified as Kabiito, Ibra, and another individual in plain clothes, before being physically assaulted. He reportedly sustained visible bodily injuries during the incident.
The matter was later reported at Mini Price Police Station under SD REF 31/04/03/2026, prompting further action by authorities.
In a statement addressing the incident, the Kampala Capital City Authority confirmed that preliminary reports indicate Sirajje was assaulted while documenting vendors who had illegally resumed trading along Namirembe Road.
Hello Erich,
On our journey to restore trade order in Kampala, the media has played a vital role in amplifying our collective progress as a city.
Preliminary reports indicate that our colleague, Siraje (NBS), was assaulted while documenting vendors who had illegally returned to… https://t.co/l1qY7KSjE4 pic.twitter.com/jP7LuKecN2
— Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) (@KCCAUG) March 5, 2026
Authorities say a suspect identified as Kiviiri has since been apprehended in collaboration with the Uganda Police Force and transferred to Central Police Station (CPS) to support ongoing investigations. Police have also requested a medical examination report to document the journalist’s injuries as part of the case file.
KCCA further stated that it has initiated disciplinary proceedings against two enforcement officers who were reportedly responsible for monitoring the affected area but failed to prevent vendors from returning to the streets.
The authority emphasized that the ongoing operations in downtown Kampala are intended to restore trade order and improve mobility within the city.
Officials also acknowledged the critical role played by the media in documenting urban management efforts.
“No journalist should ever face harm while carrying out their duty,” the authority said, adding that it remains committed to transparency, accountability, and creating a more organized and livable city.
The incident has drawn attention from members of the media fraternity who argue that journalists must be allowed to operate freely while covering public interest stories, particularly those involving government enforcement operations.
Investigations into the assault remain ongoing.
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