Journalists demonstrate, demand for gov’t action.

Rakai, 06th/Sept/2010; Ugandan Journalists have conducted a peaceful demonstration to mourn the death of their colleagues Dickson Ssentongo and Paul Kiggundu who were beaten to death last month.

The demonstration took place in Kyotera town, Rakai district in the Southern Uganda region, on 1st/Oct/2010.

It was followed by a memorial service at Staring hall in Kyotera. The prayers were attended by different religious leaders from all denominations.

The Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda (HNRJ-Uganda) expressed great concern over the insufficient nature of investigating the case by the police.

“It’s glaringly clear that the police may not successfully prosecute this case because HRNJ-Uganda has learnt from reliable sources that police lacks sufficient evidence on file to prosecute this case. So these people are likely to be acquitted at the end of the day despite having commited murder in broad day light”, Said the HRNJ-Uganda Programmes Coordinator, Geoffrey Wokulira Ssebaggala, who led the HRNJ-Uganda team to Rakai.

He added that, “It’s upon this background that we challenge the police and all other investigative bodies to be as honest and transparent as possible in order to bring the killers to book”.

Meanwhile Southern Buganda media Association, an association of journalists within the area, is advocating for the improvement of journalists’ working environment because they play a major informative role in society.
“The environment both at work and in the field does not favor and promote practicing of good journalism. We call on both the government and our employers to put in place minimum standards that can facilitate the ‘forth estate of government to work better’.” Said Pascal Mwiruka on behalf of the members

The religious leaders who attended the functions included the Bishop of Masaka diocese Rt. Rev. John Baptist Kaggwa who was represented by Fr. Joseph Kasangaki (social communication Masaka diocese), Rev. Eriisa Kirumira Arch-deacon Kakoma rep. Bishop of West Buganda diocese Rt. Rev. Samuel Kefa Kamya Ssemakula and Shielk Ismail among others.

For more information contact;
Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda (HRNJ-Uganda)
Kivebulaya Road, Mengo- Bulange, Kampala Opp. St. Marcelino Preparatory School
Tel: +256-414-272934 /+256-414-667627 / +256-701-810079
Toll Free helpline: 0800144155
E-mail: news@hrnjuganda.org
humanrajournalists@yahoo.co.uk
Website: www.hrnjuganda.org
Blog: http//:hrnjuganda.blogpost.com