A cross section of Ugandans have welcomed a move by the army to punish officers who beat up journalists during the "Free Bobi Wine" protest in Kampala. This group of Ugandans believe this will act as an example to other officers anbd security agencies who disrespect the rights of journalists.

Esther Makula, a student of Bachelor ofd Journalism and Communication at Makerere University, this move will help protect journalists from police, army and many other government security organs' brutality while doing their work. “Journalists are the ears and eyes of the voiceless, punishing these unethical soldiers will help to protect journalists’ freedom,” Makula added.

Nasser Abbey, a businessman based in Kikuubo in Kampala said that punishing the soldiers will show that there is Rule of Law and the Rights of Journalist will be respected. He also added that journalists will be given freedom to do their work freely.

I am really scared, I always wanted to work as a reporter or news anchor but the way journalists are being treated in Uganda is unfair. “The soldiers who were involved in mistreating the journalists should be punished as it will serve as a lesson to other soldiers,” said Jacqueline Nankabirwa, a senior six student at Kisubi High School.

In a statement to the press, the Chief of Defense Forces, General David Muhoozi ordered for the arrest of the soldiers who took part in torturing of the journalists.

Following the riots in Kampala on Monday 20^th August, 2018, a number of journalists were beaten and some arrested as they were covering the protests in Kampala. Among others were Richard Ochom of the observer, James Akena of the Reuters and Juma Kirya of NTV.

“We are investigating the misconduct of those soldiers who tortured journalists that day and they must eventually serve their punishment,” said the UPDF spokesman, Brig. Richard Karemire.