Police grills journalist for over 5 hours

Kampala, 01st/09/2010; the Uganda Police Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has grilled Radio Two commonly referred at as Akaboozi journalist Richard Mivule for over 5 hours over incitement to violence.
Mivule in his 50s who hosts a mid-morning talk-show between 9am to 11am weekdays was accused of having hosted an opposition member of parliament for Kampala Central division and shadow attorney general Erias Lukwago during September riots that claimed lives of more than 40 people.“These cases are meant to silence and intimidate the media ahead of 2011 general elections. The state should be reminded about its mandate to protect and uphold the right to freedom of expression and press freedom” Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda (HRNJ-Uganda) Board Chairman Robert Ssempala said.
The September 2009 riots occurred following the blocking of the King of Buganda Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II by government from touring his county of Bugerere which is one of the 18 counties which make up his kingdom.
Buganda is one of the biggest ethnic groups in Uganda.
Mivule accompanied by his lawyer Sebuliba Jordan Kiwanuka of F. Mukasa & Company Advocates was grilled from 11:30am to 5pm much as he reached the CID Headquarters at 9:30am. He was summoned by Moses Sakira and interrogated by a two-man team led by detective Birungi Milton
Radio Two is one of the private owned radios that were closed down during demonstration. Others included catholic based radio Sapientia, Ssuubi fm which have since been re-opened and Buganda Kingdom’s Central Broadcasting Service (CBS) 88.8 and 89.2fm which remain closed to date.
“Am surprised that police interrogated me about matters spoken by another person I hosted a year ago. This is not fair but am sure I committed no crime” Mivule said.
Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda (HRNJ-Uganda) condemns the unnecessary interrogation of journalists by police which tantamount to torture.
He recorded a statement and was released without a charge. He will report to police on notice.

For more information contact;
Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda (HRNJ-Uganda)
Kivebulaya Road, Mengo- Bulange, Kampala Opp. St. Marcelino Preparatory School
Tel: +256-414-667627 / +256-701-810079
E-mail: info@hrnjuganda.org
humanrajournalists@yahoo.co.uk
Website: www.hrnjuganda.org
Blog: http://hrnjuganda.blogpost.com