Kampala, 25th/July/2010; Kingdom fm reporter Rogers Matovu who was arrested and detained since Monday the 19th/July/2010 has been released without a charge
Matovu 22 was arrested by the Presidential Guard Brigade (PGB) at the African Union Summit which is taking place in Munyonyo Kampala under unclear circumstances.
His release has come at a time when Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda (HRNJ-Uganda) is suing Kabalagala police station commanders namely; Bob Kagarura (station commander) and Prossy Namukasa (station’s CID boss) for unlawfully detaining a journalist.
The constitution of Republic of Uganda Article 23(4) b bars security agencies from detaining any body not later than forty-eight hours from the time of his or her arrest.
HRNJ-Uganda has learnt that sickly Matovu was not released on police bond on Saturday morning the 24th/July/2010 neither was he informed about the reasons for his arrest and prolonged detention but he was ordered to go home by police. “I was picked from the police cells at 1am and directed to go home. I insisted that since it was too dark and risky I should be allowed to stay until day time” Rogers Matovu said. I did not sign any bond paper nor was there anybody who stood surety for me
Matovu is under treatment over pneumonia and other related diseases.
For more information contact;
Human Rights Network for Journalists – Uganda (HRNJ-Uganda)
Plot 16 Clement Hill Road – Nakasero
P.O.Box. 71314 Clock Tower Kampala – Uganda
Tel: +256-414-667627 / +256-701-810079
E-mail: news@hrnjuganda.org
humanrajournalists@yahoo.co.uk
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HUMAN RIGHTS NETWORK FOR JOURNALISTS UGANDA (HRNJ-Uganda)
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Friday, July 23, 2010
Uganda Alert: HRNJ-Uganda to sue police commanders for illegal detention
Kampala, 23rd/July/2010; Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda (HRNJ-Uganda) is suing Kabalagala police station commanders namely; station commander Bob Kagarura and station’s CID boss Prossy Namukasa for illegally detaining Kingdom fm journalist Rogers Matovu.
Matovu 22 was arrested under unclear circumstances on Monday the 19th/July/2010 in the afternoon by the suspected Presidential Guard Brigade (PGB) personnel and dumped him at Kabalagala police station where he (Matovu) has been detained and languishing since then without trial.
“It’s unconstitutional to detain anybody beyond 48 hours without trial and whoever has been behind it will pay for it”. HRNJ-Uganda lawyer Ladislaus Rwakafuuzi said. Police should detain a suspect arrested by other agencies on evidence.
HRNJ-Uganda is disturbed with the way the OC CID Prossy Namukasa declined to grant a police bond to a suspect when she was approached by our team on Wednesday the 21st/July/2010 at 08:30am. M/s. Namukasa was reported saying that there was no way police could grant a bail to a suspect who allegedly committed a “grave” offence against the person of the president.
Sources told HRNJ-Uganda that Mr. Matovu recorded a statement on Wednesday the 21st/July/2010 at 3pm and a file was filed at the resident state attorney who could not take action but referred the file to director of public prosecution to sanction it.
“We are also filling an application to magistrate court in Makindye division asking court to order police to release the suspect” Rwakafuuzi said.
For More Information Contact;
Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda (HRNJ-Uganda)
Plot 16 Clement Hill Road Nakasero
P.O.Box 71314 Clock Tower Kampala
Tel: +256-414-667627 / +256-701-810079
E-mail: news@hrnjuganda.org
humanrajournalists@yahoo.co.uk
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Matovu 22 was arrested under unclear circumstances on Monday the 19th/July/2010 in the afternoon by the suspected Presidential Guard Brigade (PGB) personnel and dumped him at Kabalagala police station where he (Matovu) has been detained and languishing since then without trial.
“It’s unconstitutional to detain anybody beyond 48 hours without trial and whoever has been behind it will pay for it”. HRNJ-Uganda lawyer Ladislaus Rwakafuuzi said. Police should detain a suspect arrested by other agencies on evidence.
HRNJ-Uganda is disturbed with the way the OC CID Prossy Namukasa declined to grant a police bond to a suspect when she was approached by our team on Wednesday the 21st/July/2010 at 08:30am. M/s. Namukasa was reported saying that there was no way police could grant a bail to a suspect who allegedly committed a “grave” offence against the person of the president.
Sources told HRNJ-Uganda that Mr. Matovu recorded a statement on Wednesday the 21st/July/2010 at 3pm and a file was filed at the resident state attorney who could not take action but referred the file to director of public prosecution to sanction it.
“We are also filling an application to magistrate court in Makindye division asking court to order police to release the suspect” Rwakafuuzi said.
For More Information Contact;
Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda (HRNJ-Uganda)
Plot 16 Clement Hill Road Nakasero
P.O.Box 71314 Clock Tower Kampala
Tel: +256-414-667627 / +256-701-810079
E-mail: news@hrnjuganda.org
humanrajournalists@yahoo.co.uk
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Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Uganda Alert: Journalist arrested and detained
Kampala, 20th/July/2010; Presidential Guard Brigade (PGB) has arrested and detained Kingdom fm reporter Rogers Matovu as the African Union summit takes off at Munyonyo in Kampala.
Matovu, a 22 years old had been assigned to cover the summit by his bosses, was arrested yesterday at around 3pm by PDG and he’s allegedly being detained at Kabalagala police station.
“We were informed about his arrest by a fellow journalist at mid-night and we visited him at Kabalagala police station” the radio’s news editor Debbie Mayanja said. They are not sure about the charges.
Sources told Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda that Matovu has not been charged pending instructions from the PGB. “We were informed that he (Matovu) is likely to be kept at Kabalagala until the end of the summit which is to last for ten (10) days” sources said. However, Kabalagala police station DPC Walugembe did not deny nor confirmed detention of the said journalist
One of his fellow staff who did not want to be named told HRNJ-Uganda that Matovu allegedly made statements connected to president Museveni’s overstaying in power.
HRNJ-Uganda calls upon the police to produce Matovu to court of law if he has a case to answer or he be released unconditionally.
For More Information contact;
Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda (HRNJ-Uganda)
Plot 16 Clement Hill Road Nakasero
P.O.Box 71314 Clock Tower Kampala
Tel: +256-414-667627 / +256-701-810079
E-mail: news@hrnjuganda.org
humanrajournalists@yahoo.co.uk
Or log onto our website: www.hrnjuganda.org
Or Blog; http://hrnjuganda.blogpost.com
Matovu, a 22 years old had been assigned to cover the summit by his bosses, was arrested yesterday at around 3pm by PDG and he’s allegedly being detained at Kabalagala police station.
“We were informed about his arrest by a fellow journalist at mid-night and we visited him at Kabalagala police station” the radio’s news editor Debbie Mayanja said. They are not sure about the charges.
Sources told Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda that Matovu has not been charged pending instructions from the PGB. “We were informed that he (Matovu) is likely to be kept at Kabalagala until the end of the summit which is to last for ten (10) days” sources said. However, Kabalagala police station DPC Walugembe did not deny nor confirmed detention of the said journalist
One of his fellow staff who did not want to be named told HRNJ-Uganda that Matovu allegedly made statements connected to president Museveni’s overstaying in power.
HRNJ-Uganda calls upon the police to produce Matovu to court of law if he has a case to answer or he be released unconditionally.
For More Information contact;
Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda (HRNJ-Uganda)
Plot 16 Clement Hill Road Nakasero
P.O.Box 71314 Clock Tower Kampala
Tel: +256-414-667627 / +256-701-810079
E-mail: news@hrnjuganda.org
humanrajournalists@yahoo.co.uk
Or log onto our website: www.hrnjuganda.org
Or Blog; http://hrnjuganda.blogpost.com
Monday, July 19, 2010
Uganda Alert: Reporter Assaulted over asking annoying questions
Kampala, 19th/July/2010: The Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) Hajji Hassan Basajja Balaba has assaulted radio one reporter Allan Kalanzi for asking annoying questions.
Basajja Balaba and the Mufti, Sheikh Ramathan Mubajje are currently under investigations over the alleged abuse of office and selling off council’s properties.
Kalanzi told Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda (HRNJ-Uganda) that Basajja assaulted him before the beginning of the council’s general meeting on Saturday the 17th/July/2010 at Old Kampala to determine their fate.
Kalanzi further said, he asked two Basajja Balaba whether he would chair the meeting which was to decide his tenure and what he thought about a the much awaited decision. “He grabbed my neck and hit my head with a battle of mineral water several times” Kalanzi added.
Human Right Network for Journalists-Uganda wish to condemn in the strongest term possible the attack made to a reporter by such a reputable personality in the society. “No body has a right to subject any human being to inhuman and degrading treatment” HRNJ-Uganda Programmes Coordinator Geoffrey Wokulira Ssebaggala said.
We also call upon the police to investigate Hajji Basajja Balaba and punish him for his unlawful conduct and also the supreme council to make an apology to the media fraternity over the deplorable behavior of their member.
For More Information Contact;
Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda (HRNJ-Uganda)
Plot 16 Clement Hill Road Nakasero
P.O.Box. 71314 Clock Tower Kampala
Tel: +256-414-667627 / +256-701-810079
E-mail: news@hrnjuganda.org
humanrajournalists@yahoo.co.uk
Log on to our Website: www.hrnjuganda.org
Or Blog: http://hrnjuganda.blogpost.com
Basajja Balaba and the Mufti, Sheikh Ramathan Mubajje are currently under investigations over the alleged abuse of office and selling off council’s properties.
Kalanzi told Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda (HRNJ-Uganda) that Basajja assaulted him before the beginning of the council’s general meeting on Saturday the 17th/July/2010 at Old Kampala to determine their fate.
Kalanzi further said, he asked two Basajja Balaba whether he would chair the meeting which was to decide his tenure and what he thought about a the much awaited decision. “He grabbed my neck and hit my head with a battle of mineral water several times” Kalanzi added.
Human Right Network for Journalists-Uganda wish to condemn in the strongest term possible the attack made to a reporter by such a reputable personality in the society. “No body has a right to subject any human being to inhuman and degrading treatment” HRNJ-Uganda Programmes Coordinator Geoffrey Wokulira Ssebaggala said.
We also call upon the police to investigate Hajji Basajja Balaba and punish him for his unlawful conduct and also the supreme council to make an apology to the media fraternity over the deplorable behavior of their member.
For More Information Contact;
Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda (HRNJ-Uganda)
Plot 16 Clement Hill Road Nakasero
P.O.Box. 71314 Clock Tower Kampala
Tel: +256-414-667627 / +256-701-810079
E-mail: news@hrnjuganda.org
humanrajournalists@yahoo.co.uk
Log on to our Website: www.hrnjuganda.org
Or Blog: http://hrnjuganda.blogpost.com
Friday, July 16, 2010
Uganda Alert: Parliament passes Interception of Communications Bill
Kampala, 16th/07/2010: The Parliament of Uganda on Wednesday the 14th/07/2010 passed the highly contested Interception of Communication Bill locally referred to as “Phone tapping Bill” authorizing government security agencies to tap private conversations as part of wider efforts to combat terrorism-related offences in the country.
Legislators also passed a key amendment to the Bill, making it compulsory for all mobile phone subscribers in the country to register their SIM cards for security purposes. “The whole idea of registering SIM cards is to put an end to the current situation where [criminals] misuse SIM cards and cannot even be traced,” Security Minister Amama Mbabazi said.
Mr. Mbabazi has long argued that the new legislation would interrupt terrorism and related crimes which are increasingly being coordinated through modern telecommunications and the Internet.
The passing of the new Bill comes three days after Somali terrorist group, al-Shabaab, on Monday claimed responsibility for Sunday’s bomb attacks in Kampala which killed 76 people watching the World Cup final.
If the President assents to the new law, the minister for Security will work out procedures to be followed by all telecom companies operating in the country to expedite the registration of SIM cards. A subscriber identity module (SIM) on a removable SIM card securely stores the service-subscriber key used to identify a subscriber on mobile telephony devices (such as mobile phones and computers).
In another critical amendment in the Bill, MPs unanimously voted to prevent the minister from issuing a warrant to tap private conversations and instead gave these powers to judges.
The Regulation of Interception of Commutations Bill, 2007 also seeks to provide for lawful interception and monitoring of certain communications in the course of their transmission through telecommunication, postal or any other related service in Uganda.
The House passed another amendment which was suggested by Soroti Woman MP, Alice Alaso (FDC), authorizing phone-tapping by security agents deployed in the fight against drug and human trafficking. However, the cost of communication in the country could go up after some lawmakers led by Mr Patrick Oboi (Kumi) lost their bid to delete Clause 8 of the Bill, which imposes the monetary cost of installing phone-tapping equipment on the telecom companies.
The cost of communication is already a burden to our people,” Mr. Oboi said, adding: “If we don’t delete this provision that mandates telecom companies to install phone-tapping machines at their own cost, they will pass the cost to the consumers.”
The Bill provides for the establishing of a monitoring centre which will be manned, operated and controlled by designated technical experts appointed by the Security minister. When the new law comes into operation, information gleaned from lawfully intercepted communication will become admissible as evidence in court.
Activists since 2007 have challenge the bill saying that if passed it will infringe on the right to privacy.
For more information contact;
Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda (HRNJ-Uganda)
Plot 16 Clement Hill Road-Nakasero
P.O.Box 71314 Clock Tower Kampala-Uganda
Tel: +256-414-667627 / +256-701-810079
E-mail: news@hrnjuganda.org
humanrajournalists@yahoo.co.uk
Log on to our website: www.hrnjuganda.org
Or http://hrnjuganda.blogpost.com
Legislators also passed a key amendment to the Bill, making it compulsory for all mobile phone subscribers in the country to register their SIM cards for security purposes. “The whole idea of registering SIM cards is to put an end to the current situation where [criminals] misuse SIM cards and cannot even be traced,” Security Minister Amama Mbabazi said.
Mr. Mbabazi has long argued that the new legislation would interrupt terrorism and related crimes which are increasingly being coordinated through modern telecommunications and the Internet.
The passing of the new Bill comes three days after Somali terrorist group, al-Shabaab, on Monday claimed responsibility for Sunday’s bomb attacks in Kampala which killed 76 people watching the World Cup final.
If the President assents to the new law, the minister for Security will work out procedures to be followed by all telecom companies operating in the country to expedite the registration of SIM cards. A subscriber identity module (SIM) on a removable SIM card securely stores the service-subscriber key used to identify a subscriber on mobile telephony devices (such as mobile phones and computers).
In another critical amendment in the Bill, MPs unanimously voted to prevent the minister from issuing a warrant to tap private conversations and instead gave these powers to judges.
The Regulation of Interception of Commutations Bill, 2007 also seeks to provide for lawful interception and monitoring of certain communications in the course of their transmission through telecommunication, postal or any other related service in Uganda.
The House passed another amendment which was suggested by Soroti Woman MP, Alice Alaso (FDC), authorizing phone-tapping by security agents deployed in the fight against drug and human trafficking. However, the cost of communication in the country could go up after some lawmakers led by Mr Patrick Oboi (Kumi) lost their bid to delete Clause 8 of the Bill, which imposes the monetary cost of installing phone-tapping equipment on the telecom companies.
The cost of communication is already a burden to our people,” Mr. Oboi said, adding: “If we don’t delete this provision that mandates telecom companies to install phone-tapping machines at their own cost, they will pass the cost to the consumers.”
The Bill provides for the establishing of a monitoring centre which will be manned, operated and controlled by designated technical experts appointed by the Security minister. When the new law comes into operation, information gleaned from lawfully intercepted communication will become admissible as evidence in court.
Activists since 2007 have challenge the bill saying that if passed it will infringe on the right to privacy.
For more information contact;
Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda (HRNJ-Uganda)
Plot 16 Clement Hill Road-Nakasero
P.O.Box 71314 Clock Tower Kampala-Uganda
Tel: +256-414-667627 / +256-701-810079
E-mail: news@hrnjuganda.org
humanrajournalists@yahoo.co.uk
Log on to our website: www.hrnjuganda.org
Or http://hrnjuganda.blogpost.com
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Uganda Alert: Presenter dies in a bomb blast
Kampala 13th/July/2010; Vision voice radio freelance presenter Steven Tinkamanyire has been confirmed dead as a result of bomb blasts that claimed loss of innocent lives and suffering of injury by innocent people.
The official figures released by government indicate that more than 75 lost their lives to bomb explosion that occurred on Sunday night the 11th/July/2010 during World Cup finals at Ethiopian village restaurant Kabalagala and Kyadondo Rugby Club Jinja road.
A 24 year old Steven Tinkamanyire a.k.a Stev Tinka who joined the Vision voice radio one and half years ago went to Kyadondo Rugby Club with his brother Henry Tinkamanyire to watch the world cup finals. “He joined us an intern which he did for three months and later started working as a freelance presenter. He has been sitting in for absent presenters and particularly presenting “Between the Sheets” music show which had no presenter at a moment” Programmes Director Vision group radios Bill Ngana said.
Tinkamanyire who died of head injuries at Mulago hospital in Kampala was confirmed dead yesterday Monday the 12th/07/2010 at 4 pm. “I was called few minutes past mid-night by the deceased’s friend about his disappearance and I informed our Daddy about it who went to Mulago hospital and found Tinka in coma” the deceased’s sister Diana Tinkamanyire said. Doctors declared him clinically dead early Monday morning but his heart was still pumping since he was on self-supporting system and it stopped at 4pm yesterday.
Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda calls upon Ugandan government to quickly put in place protective systems to guard the lives of the people from further terror attacks.
A vigil has been organized today at their home at Kisasi village a Kampala suburb, a requiem mass will be held tomorrow at Kamwokya Catholic Church and then burial at Nyarugote village in Bushenyi district.
May their souls rest in eternal peace
For More information contact;
Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda (HRNJ-Uganda)
Plot 16 Clement Hill Road Nakasero
P.O.Box 71314 Clock Tower Kampala
Tel: +256-414-667627 / +256-701-810079
E-mail: news@hrnjuganda.org
humanrajournalists@yahoo.co.uk
Log onto our Website; www.hrnjuganda.org
Or Blog; http://hrnjuganda.blogpost.com
The official figures released by government indicate that more than 75 lost their lives to bomb explosion that occurred on Sunday night the 11th/July/2010 during World Cup finals at Ethiopian village restaurant Kabalagala and Kyadondo Rugby Club Jinja road.
A 24 year old Steven Tinkamanyire a.k.a Stev Tinka who joined the Vision voice radio one and half years ago went to Kyadondo Rugby Club with his brother Henry Tinkamanyire to watch the world cup finals. “He joined us an intern which he did for three months and later started working as a freelance presenter. He has been sitting in for absent presenters and particularly presenting “Between the Sheets” music show which had no presenter at a moment” Programmes Director Vision group radios Bill Ngana said.
Tinkamanyire who died of head injuries at Mulago hospital in Kampala was confirmed dead yesterday Monday the 12th/07/2010 at 4 pm. “I was called few minutes past mid-night by the deceased’s friend about his disappearance and I informed our Daddy about it who went to Mulago hospital and found Tinka in coma” the deceased’s sister Diana Tinkamanyire said. Doctors declared him clinically dead early Monday morning but his heart was still pumping since he was on self-supporting system and it stopped at 4pm yesterday.
Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda calls upon Ugandan government to quickly put in place protective systems to guard the lives of the people from further terror attacks.
A vigil has been organized today at their home at Kisasi village a Kampala suburb, a requiem mass will be held tomorrow at Kamwokya Catholic Church and then burial at Nyarugote village in Bushenyi district.
May their souls rest in eternal peace
For More information contact;
Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda (HRNJ-Uganda)
Plot 16 Clement Hill Road Nakasero
P.O.Box 71314 Clock Tower Kampala
Tel: +256-414-667627 / +256-701-810079
E-mail: news@hrnjuganda.org
humanrajournalists@yahoo.co.uk
Log onto our Website; www.hrnjuganda.org
Or Blog; http://hrnjuganda.blogpost.com
Monday, July 12, 2010
Uganda Alert: Television journalists assaulted, one injured fingers
Kampala; 12th/July/2010; Two television journalists were over the week-end assaulted by anti riot police which was dispersing Democratic Party (DP) supporters during a rally at Kamwokya trading center a Kampala suburb.
The anti riot police used live bullets, sticks and tear gas canisters to disperse the rally which was described illegal by police.
Journalists Kato Andrew a camera man and a reporter with Media Plus news agency and Hillary Ayesiga a visionaire with NTV were assaulted by anti police.
Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda (HRNJ-Uganda) has established that the police was extremely brutal while dispersing the Democratic Party rally which lasted between 5:00pm and 5:30pm and the police tried to obstruct journalists from covering it.
“I arrived at the rally before 5pm and I met other journalists then the police commander whom I did not get the name told us that the rally we had come to cover was illegal because the organizers did not inform the police as the law requires” Andrew Kato said. In few minutes DP president and party supporters suddenly appeared and started addressing the gatherings and in less than three minutes, police started firing live bullets, tear gas and clobbering supporters. As I tried to film, in my background I heard a voice ordering to beat me up.
“A police officer hit me with a big stick on my right shoulder and in the process, as I tried to protect my camera, he clobbered my right arm which was carrying the camera and injured my fingers” Kato said. All journalists were dispersed along with the crowd with tear gas.
Ayesiga who is the second victim told HRNJ-Uganda that by the time he arrived at the rally few minutes to 6pm, police was armed with sticks and ordered that all camera should leave the scene. “As police started firing live bullets and tear gas at the crowd, a police officer jumped to grab my camera and we fought for it” Ayesiga said. He was beaten as a result of resisting.
“The current attacks against journalists in Uganda by the police and government officials whose primary responsibility is to keep law and order notify us that the dark days for journalists are here” HRNJ-Uganda programmes coordinator Geoffrey Wokulira Ssebaggala said.
It’s hardly one and half weeks when the New Vision correspondent Dismus Bulegyeya was assaulted and camera destroyed by the Deputy Resident District Commissioner Kasiita Jjuuko.
HRNJ-Uganda calls for investigation into the commanding officer of the last Saturday’s incident and his subordinates to ensure that they are punished.
For more information contact;
Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda (HRNJ-Uganda)
Plot 16 Clement Hill Road Nakasero
P.O.Box 71314 Clock Tower Kampala
Tel: +256-414-667627 / +256-701-810079
E-mail: news@hrnjuganda.org
humanrajournalists@yahoo.co.uk
Log onto our Website; www.hrnjuganda.org
Or Blog; http://hrnjuganda.blogpost.com
The anti riot police used live bullets, sticks and tear gas canisters to disperse the rally which was described illegal by police.
Journalists Kato Andrew a camera man and a reporter with Media Plus news agency and Hillary Ayesiga a visionaire with NTV were assaulted by anti police.
Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda (HRNJ-Uganda) has established that the police was extremely brutal while dispersing the Democratic Party rally which lasted between 5:00pm and 5:30pm and the police tried to obstruct journalists from covering it.
“I arrived at the rally before 5pm and I met other journalists then the police commander whom I did not get the name told us that the rally we had come to cover was illegal because the organizers did not inform the police as the law requires” Andrew Kato said. In few minutes DP president and party supporters suddenly appeared and started addressing the gatherings and in less than three minutes, police started firing live bullets, tear gas and clobbering supporters. As I tried to film, in my background I heard a voice ordering to beat me up.
“A police officer hit me with a big stick on my right shoulder and in the process, as I tried to protect my camera, he clobbered my right arm which was carrying the camera and injured my fingers” Kato said. All journalists were dispersed along with the crowd with tear gas.
Ayesiga who is the second victim told HRNJ-Uganda that by the time he arrived at the rally few minutes to 6pm, police was armed with sticks and ordered that all camera should leave the scene. “As police started firing live bullets and tear gas at the crowd, a police officer jumped to grab my camera and we fought for it” Ayesiga said. He was beaten as a result of resisting.
“The current attacks against journalists in Uganda by the police and government officials whose primary responsibility is to keep law and order notify us that the dark days for journalists are here” HRNJ-Uganda programmes coordinator Geoffrey Wokulira Ssebaggala said.
It’s hardly one and half weeks when the New Vision correspondent Dismus Bulegyeya was assaulted and camera destroyed by the Deputy Resident District Commissioner Kasiita Jjuuko.
HRNJ-Uganda calls for investigation into the commanding officer of the last Saturday’s incident and his subordinates to ensure that they are punished.
For more information contact;
Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda (HRNJ-Uganda)
Plot 16 Clement Hill Road Nakasero
P.O.Box 71314 Clock Tower Kampala
Tel: +256-414-667627 / +256-701-810079
E-mail: news@hrnjuganda.org
humanrajournalists@yahoo.co.uk
Log onto our Website; www.hrnjuganda.org
Or Blog; http://hrnjuganda.blogpost.com
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Police should apprehend Kanungu deputy RDC Kasiita Jjuuko
Masaka-Uganda; Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda (HRNJ-Uganda) is dismayed with the way the police in Masaka is handling an assault case filled by New Vision journalist Dismus Bulegyeya.
HRNJ-Uganda a network for human rights journalists, which defends and promotes the right to freedom of expression and the media. We have been monitoring the processes since Mr. Bulegyeya reported the matter assault to police but to our disappointment its now more than a week since the matter was reported to police.
First of all, police should understand that Mr. Bulegyeya was subjected to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment in course of his duty and his tool of trade was destroyed and confiscated by the perpetrator.
Practicing journalism is to exercise a fundamental right enshrined in the constitution of the republic of Uganda and other international treaties to which this country is a party and no body should hold it hostage.
Therefore, there’s no justification for the RDC Kasiita to assault a journalist and walk scot-free with out punishment is an acceptable and we are committed to ensure that justice must prevail.
As human rights defenders for journalists in Uganda, we expect the police to summon the RDC to give account of his acts.
"Under the current circumstances, we are giving the police deadline of four days with effect from today the 10th July 2010 within which the he (RDC Kasiita) should be taken to court to answer charges of assault and malicious damage to property" HRNJ-Uganda Programmes Coordinator Geoffrey Wokulira Ssebaggala said.
Failure to apprehend him, HRNJ-Uganda will not hesitate to institute a private prosecution case against the RDC and ensure that he is taken to court to answer for his acts.
For more information contact;
Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda (HRNJ-Uganda)
Plot 16 Clement Hill Road Nakasero
P.O.Box. 71314 Clock Tower Kampala
Tel:+256-414-667627 / +256-701-810079
E-mail: news@hrnjuganda.org
humanrajournalists@yahoo.co.uk
Log onto our Website: www.hrnjuganda.org
Or our blog: hppt://hrnjuganda.blogpost.com
HRNJ-Uganda a network for human rights journalists, which defends and promotes the right to freedom of expression and the media. We have been monitoring the processes since Mr. Bulegyeya reported the matter assault to police but to our disappointment its now more than a week since the matter was reported to police.
First of all, police should understand that Mr. Bulegyeya was subjected to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment in course of his duty and his tool of trade was destroyed and confiscated by the perpetrator.
Practicing journalism is to exercise a fundamental right enshrined in the constitution of the republic of Uganda and other international treaties to which this country is a party and no body should hold it hostage.
Therefore, there’s no justification for the RDC Kasiita to assault a journalist and walk scot-free with out punishment is an acceptable and we are committed to ensure that justice must prevail.
As human rights defenders for journalists in Uganda, we expect the police to summon the RDC to give account of his acts.
"Under the current circumstances, we are giving the police deadline of four days with effect from today the 10th July 2010 within which the he (RDC Kasiita) should be taken to court to answer charges of assault and malicious damage to property" HRNJ-Uganda Programmes Coordinator Geoffrey Wokulira Ssebaggala said.
Failure to apprehend him, HRNJ-Uganda will not hesitate to institute a private prosecution case against the RDC and ensure that he is taken to court to answer for his acts.
For more information contact;
Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda (HRNJ-Uganda)
Plot 16 Clement Hill Road Nakasero
P.O.Box. 71314 Clock Tower Kampala
Tel:+256-414-667627 / +256-701-810079
E-mail: news@hrnjuganda.org
humanrajournalists@yahoo.co.uk
Log onto our Website: www.hrnjuganda.org
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Thursday, July 8, 2010
Central Broadcasting Service (CBSfm) case takes off
Kampala 08th/07/2010; Central Broadcasting Service (CBSfm) lawyers have asked court to trash the counter claim case filed by government with costs
The case hearing which began today 08th/07/2010 following the failed attempts by the high court judge Vincent Zehurikize to mediate to the two parties (government and CBSfm) to settle out of court, plaintiff lawyer Prof. Fredrick Ssempebwa argued that the government’s counter claim case does not comply with the requirement of law.
Earlier more than 102 CBSfm employees dragged Broadcasting Council to court challenging the closure of the radio arguing that the closure was unlawful and purported to revoke its license. Employees led by Florence Luwedde argue that the forceful and alleged confiscation of CBSfm assets on 10th September 2009 was contrary to Electronic Media Act where Broadcasting Council has no legal right to withdraw license. They are seeking compensation in damages and lose of over 8 billion shillings. CBSfm has remained closed since then.
Prof. Ssempebwa contended that the counter claim does not disclose the course of action. “The counter claim must indicate the enjoyed right and must how that right was violated which seem not be addressed in the government’s counter claim” Prof. Ssempebwa said. All allegations made against CBSfm in the counter claim, there absolutely no allegation made against other private owned radio station closed in the aftermath of September last year.
He said the Attorney general based the counter claim case on the alleged complaints from government institutions and some members of the public which would have been arbitrated by the Broadcasting Council. “It’s the work of a statutory body (Broadcasting Council) to receive complaints and act as an arbitrator than using complaints to sue a party (radio station)”. Prof. Ssempebwa said.
However, the senior state attorney Patricia Mutetsi said well as the counter claim may not have specific title, it very clear in the body to whom it’s about.
Hearing of the case resumes tomorrow 09th/07/2010 at 11am.
For more information contact,
Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda (HRNJ-Uganda)
Plot 16 Clement Hill Road-Nakasero
P.O.Box 71314 Clock Tower Kampala-Uganda
Tel: +256-414-667627 / +256-701-810079
E-mail: news@hrnjuganda.org
humanrajournalists@yahoo.co.uk
Log on to our website: www.hrnjuganda.org
Or http://hrnjuganda.blogpost.com
The case hearing which began today 08th/07/2010 following the failed attempts by the high court judge Vincent Zehurikize to mediate to the two parties (government and CBSfm) to settle out of court, plaintiff lawyer Prof. Fredrick Ssempebwa argued that the government’s counter claim case does not comply with the requirement of law.
Earlier more than 102 CBSfm employees dragged Broadcasting Council to court challenging the closure of the radio arguing that the closure was unlawful and purported to revoke its license. Employees led by Florence Luwedde argue that the forceful and alleged confiscation of CBSfm assets on 10th September 2009 was contrary to Electronic Media Act where Broadcasting Council has no legal right to withdraw license. They are seeking compensation in damages and lose of over 8 billion shillings. CBSfm has remained closed since then.
Prof. Ssempebwa contended that the counter claim does not disclose the course of action. “The counter claim must indicate the enjoyed right and must how that right was violated which seem not be addressed in the government’s counter claim” Prof. Ssempebwa said. All allegations made against CBSfm in the counter claim, there absolutely no allegation made against other private owned radio station closed in the aftermath of September last year.
He said the Attorney general based the counter claim case on the alleged complaints from government institutions and some members of the public which would have been arbitrated by the Broadcasting Council. “It’s the work of a statutory body (Broadcasting Council) to receive complaints and act as an arbitrator than using complaints to sue a party (radio station)”. Prof. Ssempebwa said.
However, the senior state attorney Patricia Mutetsi said well as the counter claim may not have specific title, it very clear in the body to whom it’s about.
Hearing of the case resumes tomorrow 09th/07/2010 at 11am.
For more information contact,
Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda (HRNJ-Uganda)
Plot 16 Clement Hill Road-Nakasero
P.O.Box 71314 Clock Tower Kampala-Uganda
Tel: +256-414-667627 / +256-701-810079
E-mail: news@hrnjuganda.org
humanrajournalists@yahoo.co.uk
Log on to our website: www.hrnjuganda.org
Or http://hrnjuganda.blogpost.com
Court stays Bimeeza (open air talk show) case
Kampala; 08th/07/2010; High Court in Kampala has stayed open air talk show case and referred it to constitutional court for interpretation.
In today’s hearing before justice Zehurikize, attorney general chambers to challenge the constitutionality of the rule under which the application was filled before court. The case was filled under “Notice of Motion” basing on the enforcement procedures passed by the Rules Committee of the Judiciary and Art.22 of the Constitution.
The Broadcasting Council chairman Eng. Godfrey Mutabaazi and the minister of information and national guidance Kabakumba Matsiko banned the open air talk show in the aftermath of September last year riots on technical grounds.
The senior state attorney Nelson Karuhanga said, the Rules Committee usurped powers of parliament which is mandated under article 50 to enact laws to enforce freedoms and rights enshrined in the constitution of republic of Uganda. “I ask this honorable court to refer this matter for constitutional interpretation” Karuhanga said.
A group of open air talk show beneficiaries led by Church Ambrose Bukenya dragged the government to court arguing that the government was wrong to ban the open-talk shows saying, the ban is intended to gag the public, which he called a breach of the right to freedom of speech, freedom of expression and free media guaranteed by the constitution of the Republic of Uganda.
The open air talk-shows were ran by many public and private radio stations as far as 2000 to provide platform to different class of people including ordinary Ugandans as a way to enhance their participation in the governance issues and holding their leaders accountable among others.
During the open air talk-shows, several persons would gather in any place outside the studio of a radio station and publicly exchange views on any topic including politics, religion, commerce, culture, sports and the like and the exchange of views was broadcast live.
For more information contact,
Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda (HRNJ-Uganda)
Plot 16 Clement Hill Road-Nakasero
P.O.Box 71314 Clock Tower Kampala-Uganda
Tel: +256-414-667627 / +256-701-810079
E-mail: news@hrnjuganda.org
humanrajournalists@yahoo.co.uk
Log on to our website: www.hrnjuganda.org
Or http://hrnjuganda.blogpost.com
In today’s hearing before justice Zehurikize, attorney general chambers to challenge the constitutionality of the rule under which the application was filled before court. The case was filled under “Notice of Motion” basing on the enforcement procedures passed by the Rules Committee of the Judiciary and Art.22 of the Constitution.
The Broadcasting Council chairman Eng. Godfrey Mutabaazi and the minister of information and national guidance Kabakumba Matsiko banned the open air talk show in the aftermath of September last year riots on technical grounds.
The senior state attorney Nelson Karuhanga said, the Rules Committee usurped powers of parliament which is mandated under article 50 to enact laws to enforce freedoms and rights enshrined in the constitution of republic of Uganda. “I ask this honorable court to refer this matter for constitutional interpretation” Karuhanga said.
A group of open air talk show beneficiaries led by Church Ambrose Bukenya dragged the government to court arguing that the government was wrong to ban the open-talk shows saying, the ban is intended to gag the public, which he called a breach of the right to freedom of speech, freedom of expression and free media guaranteed by the constitution of the Republic of Uganda.
The open air talk-shows were ran by many public and private radio stations as far as 2000 to provide platform to different class of people including ordinary Ugandans as a way to enhance their participation in the governance issues and holding their leaders accountable among others.
During the open air talk-shows, several persons would gather in any place outside the studio of a radio station and publicly exchange views on any topic including politics, religion, commerce, culture, sports and the like and the exchange of views was broadcast live.
For more information contact,
Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda (HRNJ-Uganda)
Plot 16 Clement Hill Road-Nakasero
P.O.Box 71314 Clock Tower Kampala-Uganda
Tel: +256-414-667627 / +256-701-810079
E-mail: news@hrnjuganda.org
humanrajournalists@yahoo.co.uk
Log on to our website: www.hrnjuganda.org
Or http://hrnjuganda.blogpost.com
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Uganda Alert: government official beats-up photo journalist, confiscates his camera
Kampala, 06th/July/2010; Deputy resident district commissioner (RDC) Kanungu district Kasiita Jjuuko assaults the New Vision photo journalist based in Masaka district Dismus Bulegyeya for covering the opposition party Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) leader Dr. Kiiza Besigye at the family funeral rite.
Besigye who had been invited by one of the family member Justine Jjuuko an FDC die-hard was also blocked from addressing the gathering at the funeral function which was held last week-end at Kaku village, Mukungwe Sub-county, Masaka district by the RDC Kasiita Jjuuko.
A Resident District Commissioner is appointed by the president as his representative at the district level in Uganda.
HRNJ-Uganda has learnt that RDC Kasiita after receiving information about the attendance of Dr. Besigye, he first chased away journalists saying that it was a family function not for the public.
One journalist (WBS TV correspondent in Masaka) Sadab Kitatta confirmed to HRNJ-Uganda that RDC Kasiita used insulting language and threatened that he would use rowdy youths to beat- up journalists. “Within no minute, Dr. Besigye arrived and we started taking photos. The stick wielding RDC Kasiita jumped out and clobbered Dismus Bulegyeya” Said Journalist Kitatta.
In an attempt to escape the wrath of the RDC, Bulegyeya’s camera was also confiscated. “I sustained bodily injuries as a result of assault and am on treatment and my camera is still in the hands of RDC Kasiita. I have reported the case to police under the case reference number MSK/CDR/2263/2010 and SD/29/3/7/10 MSK” said Bulegyeya yesterday.
Human rights Network for Journalists-Uganda (HRNJ-Uganda) condemns in strongest term possible the assault of a journalist who was on duty. “We call on the police in Masaka to ensure that RDC Kasiita account for his criminal deeds, failure we shall not hesitate to fight for our space and no one should be above the law” HRNJ-Uganda Programmes coordinator Geoffrey Wokulira Ssebaggala said.
Source say that the case has been transferred to Political offences department established three years ago in Uganda police to handle political cases.
For More Information Contact:
Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda (HRNJ-Uganda)
Plot 16 Clement Hill Road Nakasero
P.O.Box. 71314 clock Tower Kampala
Tel: +256-414-667627
E-mail: news@hrnjuganda.org
humanrajournalists@yahoo.co.uk
Website: www.hrnjuganda.org
Blog: htpp:/hrnjuganda.blogpost.com
Besigye who had been invited by one of the family member Justine Jjuuko an FDC die-hard was also blocked from addressing the gathering at the funeral function which was held last week-end at Kaku village, Mukungwe Sub-county, Masaka district by the RDC Kasiita Jjuuko.
A Resident District Commissioner is appointed by the president as his representative at the district level in Uganda.
HRNJ-Uganda has learnt that RDC Kasiita after receiving information about the attendance of Dr. Besigye, he first chased away journalists saying that it was a family function not for the public.
One journalist (WBS TV correspondent in Masaka) Sadab Kitatta confirmed to HRNJ-Uganda that RDC Kasiita used insulting language and threatened that he would use rowdy youths to beat- up journalists. “Within no minute, Dr. Besigye arrived and we started taking photos. The stick wielding RDC Kasiita jumped out and clobbered Dismus Bulegyeya” Said Journalist Kitatta.
In an attempt to escape the wrath of the RDC, Bulegyeya’s camera was also confiscated. “I sustained bodily injuries as a result of assault and am on treatment and my camera is still in the hands of RDC Kasiita. I have reported the case to police under the case reference number MSK/CDR/2263/2010 and SD/29/3/7/10 MSK” said Bulegyeya yesterday.
Human rights Network for Journalists-Uganda (HRNJ-Uganda) condemns in strongest term possible the assault of a journalist who was on duty. “We call on the police in Masaka to ensure that RDC Kasiita account for his criminal deeds, failure we shall not hesitate to fight for our space and no one should be above the law” HRNJ-Uganda Programmes coordinator Geoffrey Wokulira Ssebaggala said.
Source say that the case has been transferred to Political offences department established three years ago in Uganda police to handle political cases.
For More Information Contact:
Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda (HRNJ-Uganda)
Plot 16 Clement Hill Road Nakasero
P.O.Box. 71314 clock Tower Kampala
Tel: +256-414-667627
E-mail: news@hrnjuganda.org
humanrajournalists@yahoo.co.uk
Website: www.hrnjuganda.org
Blog: htpp:/hrnjuganda.blogpost.com
Friday, July 2, 2010
Civil Society Organisations in Uganda issues a statement on increased lawlessness
Members of different civil society organisation in Uganda are concerned that impunity and disrespect for rights of individuals is on the increase in Uganda. Specifically, " we are concerned with the recent reports that have indicated and documented actions of rthe "Kiboko Squad" militia not only beating and breaking up demonstartions, but also their alleged leaders coming out to declare without remorse, that they would continue with their ruthless campaign" the statement said.
CSOs are concerned that the actions compromise the role of security and put into quesrtion the role of the police to maintain law and order. The Constitution under Article 212 casts an obligation on the police to maintain law and order. "Abdicating this duty to vigilante groups is a failure by the organs of the state; it allows such groups like the Kiboko Squad to take the law in their hands in total diregard ofthe state organs charged with keeping law and order" said the statement.
Abrogating the 1995 Constitution of the Republic of Uganda and other human rights instruments.
CSOs argue that objective III of the National objectives and directive principles of the state policy of the 1995 Constitution; enjoins all organs of the state and the people of Uganda to work towards the promotion of Natioonal Unity, Peace and stability. The actions of this criminal squad threaten the peace and security that thepeople of Uganda have worked so tirelessly to achieve and maintain.
The statement further emphasized that the right of the public is one of the tenets of constitutionalism and free democratic society.
"The right to demonstrate with others peacefully is guaranteed under article 20 of Universal Declaration of Human rights (UHDR) and article 19 of the Civil Political Rights Convention (ICCPR) to which Uganda is a signatory. The same right is recognised under article 29(1) of the constitution which provides that 'Every person shall have the right to (d) freedom to assemble and to denstrate together with others peacefully and unarmed and to petition" said CSOs under Human Rights Network-Uganda.
pre-supposing that members of the public and members of the political parties need to seek for permission before they participate in peaceful demonstrations is to create limits to this fundamental rights that is meant to nurture and protect our young democracy.
The statement said, the action of using force to stop peaceful demonstrations and the use of sticks (kiboko) violates the freedom of expression and conscience guaranteed under article and articles 19 of UDHR and ICCPR and article 29 of the Uganda constitution.
CSOs are also concerned with continued use of excessive force by the Uganda police and the use of lethal and ungazetted weapons such as kiboko which violate rights of individuals. CSOs said, the Supreme Court of Uganda in Simon Kamanywa Vs AG (Constitutional Reference No. 10 of 2000) recognised that canning (using Kiboko) amounts to torture and is degrading whether it is given as a sentence by a competent court or by a person in authority. Members of the kiboko squad have therefore violated this right guarangteed under article 7 of ICCPR and article 24 of the constitution.
It is noteworthy that permitting groups like the 'Kiboko Squad) and their extra-judicial operations not only violates the above rights but is also a setback to our countries' young democracy, if not treated with the seriousness this matter deserve, they may lead to breach of peace and increased violence in the country.
In the view of the above, CSOs recommended the following;
I. The police and the Directorate of Public Prosecutions should arrest and charge all those involved in the kiboko squad and similar paramilitary groups such as Kalangala Action plan and others. Disband all paramilitary groups and have all those responsible for setting up such groups charged in courts of law.
2. The Uganda police force should unequivocally refrain from dealing with obscure factions and sector groupings. Instead the police should commit to having a professional and effecient force that is capable of dealing with demonstration and riots.
3. An independent commission of inquiry into the acts of the squad including its origins, its funders and all those involved should be instituted and criminal actions be considered for those responsible. The inquiry should cover other similar paramilitary groups such as Kalangala Action Plan, Watumbavu among other.
4. The government should review the adequacy, accountability; legitimacy and acceptability of the current frameworkk of the public order management to enable it meet the democratic needs of our society.
5. Government should officially gazetted and make known the security agencies to avoid the usurping of the role of providing security services to self styled gangs.
CSOs are concerned that the actions compromise the role of security and put into quesrtion the role of the police to maintain law and order. The Constitution under Article 212 casts an obligation on the police to maintain law and order. "Abdicating this duty to vigilante groups is a failure by the organs of the state; it allows such groups like the Kiboko Squad to take the law in their hands in total diregard ofthe state organs charged with keeping law and order" said the statement.
Abrogating the 1995 Constitution of the Republic of Uganda and other human rights instruments.
CSOs argue that objective III of the National objectives and directive principles of the state policy of the 1995 Constitution; enjoins all organs of the state and the people of Uganda to work towards the promotion of Natioonal Unity, Peace and stability. The actions of this criminal squad threaten the peace and security that thepeople of Uganda have worked so tirelessly to achieve and maintain.
The statement further emphasized that the right of the public is one of the tenets of constitutionalism and free democratic society.
"The right to demonstrate with others peacefully is guaranteed under article 20 of Universal Declaration of Human rights (UHDR) and article 19 of the Civil Political Rights Convention (ICCPR) to which Uganda is a signatory. The same right is recognised under article 29(1) of the constitution which provides that 'Every person shall have the right to (d) freedom to assemble and to denstrate together with others peacefully and unarmed and to petition" said CSOs under Human Rights Network-Uganda.
pre-supposing that members of the public and members of the political parties need to seek for permission before they participate in peaceful demonstrations is to create limits to this fundamental rights that is meant to nurture and protect our young democracy.
The statement said, the action of using force to stop peaceful demonstrations and the use of sticks (kiboko) violates the freedom of expression and conscience guaranteed under article and articles 19 of UDHR and ICCPR and article 29 of the Uganda constitution.
CSOs are also concerned with continued use of excessive force by the Uganda police and the use of lethal and ungazetted weapons such as kiboko which violate rights of individuals. CSOs said, the Supreme Court of Uganda in Simon Kamanywa Vs AG (Constitutional Reference No. 10 of 2000) recognised that canning (using Kiboko) amounts to torture and is degrading whether it is given as a sentence by a competent court or by a person in authority. Members of the kiboko squad have therefore violated this right guarangteed under article 7 of ICCPR and article 24 of the constitution.
It is noteworthy that permitting groups like the 'Kiboko Squad) and their extra-judicial operations not only violates the above rights but is also a setback to our countries' young democracy, if not treated with the seriousness this matter deserve, they may lead to breach of peace and increased violence in the country.
In the view of the above, CSOs recommended the following;
I. The police and the Directorate of Public Prosecutions should arrest and charge all those involved in the kiboko squad and similar paramilitary groups such as Kalangala Action plan and others. Disband all paramilitary groups and have all those responsible for setting up such groups charged in courts of law.
2. The Uganda police force should unequivocally refrain from dealing with obscure factions and sector groupings. Instead the police should commit to having a professional and effecient force that is capable of dealing with demonstration and riots.
3. An independent commission of inquiry into the acts of the squad including its origins, its funders and all those involved should be instituted and criminal actions be considered for those responsible. The inquiry should cover other similar paramilitary groups such as Kalangala Action Plan, Watumbavu among other.
4. The government should review the adequacy, accountability; legitimacy and acceptability of the current frameworkk of the public order management to enable it meet the democratic needs of our society.
5. Government should officially gazetted and make known the security agencies to avoid the usurping of the role of providing security services to self styled gangs.
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