The Observer newspaper offices in Kampala were broken into on Thursday night, with unidentified individuals making away with several computers, cameras, and hard drives in what has been described as a targeted and suspicious attack.
According to Ugandan cartoonist and human rights activist Jim Spire Ssentongo, the intruders appeared to have known exactly what they wanted.
In a post on X, Ssentongo revealed that the attackers selectively removed hard disks from computers before leaving the premises.
“For yet another time, the @observerug was invaded last night in a telling break-in. The ‘thugs’ seem to have been keen on taking computers and cameras. They also took time to open some of the computers to only remove Hard Disks! The entire attack and its timing is suspicious! Worry for independent media houses!” Ssentongo wrote.
The Observer is one of Uganda’s oldest independent publications, known for its critical reporting and investigative journalism.
The break-in raises fresh fears about the safety and freedom of independent media outlets in the country, which have faced increasing pressure in recent years.
Ssentongo also expressed concern over the police response, claiming that officers allegedly demanded “facilitation” to investigate the case.
“Strangely, I’m told that Police is asking for facilitation to investigate,” he added.