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Message: [QUOTE="Nehanda, post: 26515, member: 2262"] Joel Ssenyonyi, who leads the opposition in Parliament, wants the government to explain why the Joint Anti-Terrorism Task Force was involved in the Kawempe North election. He asked why JAT attacked TV reporter Miracle Ibra, who was filming candidate nominations on Wednesday. The trouble started after Erias Nalukoola Luyimbazi from the National Unity Platform party was nominated. Nalukoola tried to walk to Mbogo mosque to talk to his supporters. JAT officers arrested him roughly and hurt many of his supporters. Ibra tried to record what happened. Armed JAT officers beat him badly and damaged his eye. Ssenyonyi visited Parliament Thursday after seeing Ibra at Nsambya Hospital. He told Parliament about the attack on the journalist. "His eye was damaged," Ssenyonyi said. He questioned why anti-terrorism forces were at an election. "These officers should fight terrorists. They attacked this journalist, who wore press markings and carried a camera. They hit him with batons, hurt his eyes, and broke bones in his face. Doctors are not sure if he will see again. The government must tell us what JAT does. Why are they at a by-election? Why attack journalists doing their job?" Ssenyonyi urged the government to let journalists work safely. On Wednesday, Ssenyonyi argued with Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja after she claimed he makes the government look bad. On Thursday, Ssenyonyi responded that actions like those by JAT make the government look bad on its own. Ibra needs surgery for his injuries. Ssenyonyi gave one million shillings toward medical costs and asked the government to pay the rest. "Has the Information Minister reached out to check on this journalist?" He pushed the government to uphold law and order in Uganda. "We have laws in this country. The government should follow these laws. Police should keep order within legal limits. We need to know why JAT is involved in elections. Why are they grabbing people and beating them? Why hurt journalists doing their work?" [/QUOTE]

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