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
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