A journalist, Ashraf Kasirye, who sustained injuries in 2020 as security forces dispersed supporters of the National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate, Mr. Robert Kyagulanyi, has undergone successful skull surgery in the United States of America.
Kasirye, a former Radio One journalist and Ghetto TV cameraman, was reportedly shot in the head during Mr. Kyagulanyi’s election campaign.
The Cranioplasty surgery, aimed at repairing the 31-year-old journalist’s skull, took place on September 25, as revealed by sources.
NUP principal, Mr. Kyagulanyi, confirmed this development in a post on his social media platform (formerly Twitter) on September 26.
He stated, “Comrade Ashraf Kasirye has undergone a major surgery for the wound he sustained when he was shot in the head as he stood behind me during our presidential campaigns in December 2020.”
Mr. Kyagulanyi further detailed that Ashraf was shot at close range by a member of the regime’s security forces, Enock Abaine, who was the Regional Police Commander of Masaka at the time.
Notably, Abaine had recently been promoted to the rank of Commissioner of Police despite the alleged incident.
Kyagulanyi expressed wishes for Ashraf’s swift recovery and demanded justice against Abaine and others involved, stating, “We wish Ashraf a quick healing and continue to demand justice against Abaine and other criminals. The wheels of justice may come slow, but they will eventually come and grind fine.”
Ashraf Kasirye was allegedly shot on December 27, 2020, as police dispersed Mr. Kyagulanyi’s supporters in Masaka District.
The incident occurred amid clashes as police attempted to prevent supporters from trailing Mr. Kyagulanyi as he left Masaka for Lwengo and Bukomansimbi during his campaign.
However, the police spokesperson, Mr. Fred Enanga, later claimed that the journalist was injured by a teargas canister during a confrontation between security forces and NUP supporters who had allegedly defied an agreed-upon route plan in Kyabakuza, Kyotera District.
Prior to his surgery, Ashraf Kasirye posted on his social media platform, saying, “The DAY is today, SO HELP ME GOD (All I need are your prayers, dear loved ones).”
The NUP Secretary General, Mr. Lewis Rubongoya, also expressed happiness for Kasirye’s successful operation and called for justice against those responsible for crimes against humanity.
He emphasized the miraculous survival of Kasirye and the hope for his full recovery.
The posts by Mr. Kyagulanyi and Rubongoya have garnered reactions on social media, including well-wishes from individuals such as Mr. Emmanuel Dombo, the NRM spokesperson, who wished Mr. Kasirye a quick recovery.