Kanungu, 21st/March/2011; Patson Baraire, the news editor of Kinkizi Fm and Freelance Journalist with the New Vision has been assaulted in court premises by the councilor elect of Kanungu town council Emmy Magezi Byarugaba. He was covering a court case in the chief magistrate’s court.
Kinkizi Fm is owned by Amama Mbabazi, the Security Minister and Member of Parliament for Kinkizi West constituency.
Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda (HRNJ-Uganda) has learnt that Baraire is the second person to be assaulted by Byarugaba after he allegedly assaulted some individuals during the local council elections.
“I attended a court session on 18th/March/2011 where Byarugaba and his friend Godfrey Karabeda are facing assault charges. When the case was adjourned I stepped quickly out to take photos of the suspects. I took the first one and as I tried to take another photo, Byarugaba jumped to grab my camera. When he missed it he started boxing me and I took a refuge at police opposite the court where the case was reported” said Baraire
An eyewitness told HRNJ-Uganda that Byarugaba accused Baraire of taking his photos without his permission in the court premises. Adding that he was bitter about what the media has been airing since he was taken to court.
Baraire sustained bodily injuries and he was rushed to Kihihi health center IV where he received treatment.
“A number of journalists have been physically attacked during the election period we are concluding and the organs responsible to enforce the law have the burden to bring all perpetrators of violence to justice before it’s too late. Failure such institutions will be partly accountable for the growing level of impunity in Uganda” Said HRNJ-Uganda Programmes coordinator Geoffrey Wokulira Ssebaggala
HRNJ-Uganda challenges the Kanungu district Resident State Attorney to quickly sanction the charges since police has concluded its investigations into the matter.
For More Information Contact;
Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda (HRNJ-Uganda)
Kivebulaya Road – Mengo Kampala Opp. St. Marcelino Pre. School
P.O.BOX. 71314 Clock Tower Kampala
Tel: +256-414-272934 / +256-414-667627
E-mail: news@hrnjuganda.org
humanrajournalists@yahoo.co.uk
Website: www.hrnjuganda.org
BLOG: http://hrnjuganda.blogpost.com
HUMAN RIGHTS NETWORK FOR JOURNALISTS UGANDA (HRNJ-Uganda)
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
police arrest and detained a radio reporter over a news story that alleged lawlessness
Mpigi, 21st/March/2011; Police in Buwama, Mpigi district have arrested and detained Central Broadcasting Service (CBS FM) correspondent Yoweri Musisi over a story which alleged increased lawlessness in the area.
Musisi is a correspondent for Buganda Kingdom owned radio CBS FM in Mpigi district, 80 kilometers, south of Kampala.
He was arrested on 19th/March/2011 at 10am by armed police men at Buwama trading centre on the orders of Officer in Charge of the station Abbey Ngaho.
Human Rights network for Journalists-Uganda (HRNJ-Uganda) has learnt Musisi reported a number of stories about the increasing theft and house breaking cases in areas of Luwunga, Nkozi and Bwere.
Sources told HRNJ-Uganda that residents in these areas live in fear since the beginning of this year due to likely cases of rape since thugs forcefully enter into people’s houses.
“When I was writing the previous story, I went to OC CID Buwama police station called Natukunda with a complainant from Bwere village Simon Peter Kawuki. He confirmed that police have recorded cases of theft and house from such areas” said Musisi
When HRNJ-Uganda first visited Musisi at Buwama police station on 20th/March/2011 he said, he was not aware of charges despite being behind bars.
O/C Ngaho told HRNJ-Uganda that Musisi was on charges of inciting of violence and giving false information.
“He reported in the news that there were rebels in the area. He traded false information and we shall punish him for that” said Ngaho
Musisi was released on bond on 21st/March/2011 at 1:00 o’clock after being charged with giving false information.
“Police should not use laws to silence voices of the people rather to guard communities from criminal elements. People resorting to the media to express their concerns clearly indicate that police has failed its work or people have lost trust in the institution of police. ” said HRNJ-Uganda Programmes Coordinator Geoffrey Wokulira Ssebaggala
HRNJ-Uganda challenges police to investigate and arrest all criminals who have been terrorizing communities than suffocating voices of those who speak for the voiceless.
Musisi is required to report on bond on Thursday the 24th/March/2011 at 10:00am
For More Information Contact;
Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda (HRNJ-Uganda)
Kivebulaya Road – Mengo Kampala Opp. St. Marcelino Pre. School
P.O.BOX. 71314 Clock Tower Kampala
Tel: +256-414-272934 / +256-414-667627
E-mail: news@hrnjuganda.org
humanrajournalists@yahoo.co.uk
Website: www.hrnjuganda.org
BLOG: http://hrnjuganda.blogpost.com
Musisi is a correspondent for Buganda Kingdom owned radio CBS FM in Mpigi district, 80 kilometers, south of Kampala.
He was arrested on 19th/March/2011 at 10am by armed police men at Buwama trading centre on the orders of Officer in Charge of the station Abbey Ngaho.
Human Rights network for Journalists-Uganda (HRNJ-Uganda) has learnt Musisi reported a number of stories about the increasing theft and house breaking cases in areas of Luwunga, Nkozi and Bwere.
Sources told HRNJ-Uganda that residents in these areas live in fear since the beginning of this year due to likely cases of rape since thugs forcefully enter into people’s houses.
“When I was writing the previous story, I went to OC CID Buwama police station called Natukunda with a complainant from Bwere village Simon Peter Kawuki. He confirmed that police have recorded cases of theft and house from such areas” said Musisi
When HRNJ-Uganda first visited Musisi at Buwama police station on 20th/March/2011 he said, he was not aware of charges despite being behind bars.
O/C Ngaho told HRNJ-Uganda that Musisi was on charges of inciting of violence and giving false information.
“He reported in the news that there were rebels in the area. He traded false information and we shall punish him for that” said Ngaho
Musisi was released on bond on 21st/March/2011 at 1:00 o’clock after being charged with giving false information.
“Police should not use laws to silence voices of the people rather to guard communities from criminal elements. People resorting to the media to express their concerns clearly indicate that police has failed its work or people have lost trust in the institution of police. ” said HRNJ-Uganda Programmes Coordinator Geoffrey Wokulira Ssebaggala
HRNJ-Uganda challenges police to investigate and arrest all criminals who have been terrorizing communities than suffocating voices of those who speak for the voiceless.
Musisi is required to report on bond on Thursday the 24th/March/2011 at 10:00am
For More Information Contact;
Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda (HRNJ-Uganda)
Kivebulaya Road – Mengo Kampala Opp. St. Marcelino Pre. School
P.O.BOX. 71314 Clock Tower Kampala
Tel: +256-414-272934 / +256-414-667627
E-mail: news@hrnjuganda.org
humanrajournalists@yahoo.co.uk
Website: www.hrnjuganda.org
BLOG: http://hrnjuganda.blogpost.com
Monday, March 21, 2011
HRNJ-Uganda submits a report to the UN over Uganda none compliance
Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda (HRNJ-Uganda)
Press statement;
Embargoed until 21st/March/2011
Kampala; As the review for Uganda’s human rights situation is drawing closer under the UN Universal Periodic Review (UPR), Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda (HRNJ-Uganda) has submitted a report to the United Nations Human Rights Council highlighting the none compliance of Ugandan government towards protecting, upholding and promoting the right to freedom of expression, media freedom and access to information.
HRNJ-Uganda is a membership organization of human rights journalists in Uganda whose primary activity is to defend press freedom, freedom of expression and information. Under the strategic direction, HRNJ-Uganda’s efforts and resources are devoted to; (i) Advocacy and Networking, (ii) Litigation, (iii) Capacity building and Outreach, (iv) Documentation and Research and (v) institutional development.
Uganda which is a member of the United Nations Human Rights Council is up for review on its human rights situation later this year in October under the United Nations Universal Periodic Review mechanism (UPRM).
HRNJ-Uganda is aware that Uganda has ratified a number of conventions and treaties that obligate it to protect the rights to freedom of opinion, expression, and access to information.
These treaties and conventions set standards for all member states to adhere to the principals that facilitate the enjoyment of these human rights and freedoms, namely; Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UHDR-Article 19), International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR-Article 19), The International Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Racial Discrimination (Article 5(d) (viii), The convention on the Rights of the Child (Article 13) and the Declaration on human rights defenders (Article 6)
It is upon this basis that HRNJ-Uganda is seeking for the intervention of the United Nations Human Rights Council.
The report to the UN Human Rights Council exposes among other issues namely; laws that criminalise speech and hinder access to information, deteriorating safety and security of journalists, lack of independence by regulatory bodies, and the shrinking space under which the journalists, political activists, human rights activists and government critics operate.
“Although the right to freely inform the public and to be informed is absolute, it remains limited in Uganda especially on critical issues. The National Resistance Movement (NRM) government claims to observe this freedom, but in practice it does not. We have documented evidence which shows government’s violation of this freedom –esp. to those who criticize public officers” said HRNJ-Uganda Programmes Coordinator Geoffrey Wokulira Ssebaggala
Safety and Security of Journalists
The safety and security of journalists in Uganda remains frail with many being murdered, subjected to arbitrary arrests and torture, intimidation and harassment among other untold sufferings at the hands of the authorities. According to HRNJ press index report, there is an increase in cases of violence meted against journalists as indicated by the demographics here below; In 2009, 35 cases of violence were reported and over 50 cases in 2010.
On September 10, 2009, a renowned journalist Mr. Kalundi Sserumaga was kidnapped by security operatives at night after attending a talk show on WBS TV and was tortured at an un-gazzetted center in Kireka. (ii) Arafat Nzito of Simba FM 97.3 on November 3, 2010 was also kidnapped by security personnel, kept incommunicado for eight days at Kololo under the orders of the Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI). He was released upon filing a habeas- Corpus in court. (iii) Patrick Otim, who worked with a government owned Mega FM, based in Gulu, was kidnapped from his residence in Pader and held incommunicado for six (6) weeks in May, 2009. He was taken to court after filing a habeas corpus, charged with treason and concealment to treason and was committed to the high court for trial –he still languishes in prison without court hearing.
The period under review has seen several journalists murdered with killers still at large. They include;
1) Wilbroad Kasujja, a journalist for Buwama community radio in the Mpigi district. She was raped and killed on her way to work.
2) Paul Kiggundu, a reporter with Masaka-based Top radio, was murdered while on duty.
3) Prime radio, news anchor Dickson Ssentongo was murdered on his way to work.
In 2008, government established the Media Offences Department within the Uganda Police Force to monitor media output on a daily basis. The department interrogates activists, supporters of the opposition political parties, journalists and media managers or owners over releases from their media houses, majority of the victims have kept reporting to police for years with no resolution. These include: Timothy Kalyegira, Daniel Kalinaki, Angello Izama and Henry Ochieng (Daily Monitor).
Limits on Freedom of Expression and laws that criminalise speech;
The Constitutional Court nullified Uganda’s sedition law on August 25, 2010. Nonetheless, several journalists and activists still face sedition charges even though the court found this law in contravention of Article 29 of the Ugandan Constitution, which guarantees freedom of expression, opinion, and conscience.
Uganda has a big number of laws that criminalise speech ranging from The Penal Code Act, The Anti terrorism Act which sets death as punishment for any journalist who writes about a ‘terrorist group, The Press and Journalists Act, 1995 and the Interception of Communications Act which permits the tapping of all forms or types of communications.
Others include; Under the Electronic Media Act, Cap 104 of 1996, the Broadcasting Council enjoys unprecedented powers of regulating the media content. On several occasions the institution has abused its powers by arbitrarily and excessively closing down media houses, ban public debates and orders the sacking of critical journalists. As witnessed in September 2009, the Broadcasting Council unlawfully closed down five (5) private radio stations namely: Central Broadcasting Service (CBS) 88.8FM and 89.2FM, Radio 2 (Akaboozi FM), a Catholic Church run radio station Radio Sapientia, and Ssuubi FM and the 1958 Secrecy Act which bars public officials from releasing classified information of government. However this contradicts the 2005 Access to Information Act (ATIA) which provides for free and easy access of information from public bodies.
Under the bills;
The Press and Journalists Amendment Bill 2010 which seeks overzealous control of media outlets by the NRM government
The Public Order Management Bill, 2009 challenges the enjoyment of freedom of expression, speech, and assembly which are fundamental freedoms and human rights guaranteed by the 1995 Constitution
Lack of Independence by Regulatory bodies;
Media regulatory bodies are operating under the oversight of the Cabinet Ministers of Security, Information, and ICT. These ministers have assumed and applied excessive powers in controlling these institutions which are supposed to be independent from government. Regulatory bodies too in turn have imposed stringent controls over media houses to the extent of directing recruitments, interfering with the media contents to suit interests of the government. The regulatory bodies have disregarded the enforcement of license regulations on the side of pro-government owned media. A number of incidents denying opposition political supporters access to media platforms have been reported and there’s never been an intervention from the Broadcasting Council like in the case of Bunyoro region in 2010 during presidential and parliamentary campaigns on Radio Kitara, Spice FM, Radio Hoima, Kings Radio and Bunyoro Broadcasting Service, radios and in Nakaseke district community radio, where Dr. Kiiza Besigye paid for airtime but was locked out of the radio building staff and the premises cordoned off by anti-riot police.
HRNJ-Uganda has therefore calling upon the UN human rights council to;
- Ask the government of Uganda to repeal all laws that impede the freedom of the press, expression, opinion and conscience as well as information.
- Push government to implement the decision by the Constitutional Court which overturned the sedition provision and therefore immediately dismiss all sedition charges against journalists and politicians.
- Task the government to make public all reports emerging from investigations of murdered journalists and police brutality and prosecute all those implicated.
For the full report or details please visit our website; www.hrnjuganda.org or contact us on the address below;
Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda (HRNJ-Uganda)
Kivebulaya Road at Mengo – Kampala Opp. St. Marcelino Pre. School
P.O.Box.71314 Clock Tower Kampala
Tel: +256-414-272934 / +256-414-667627
E-mail: info@hrnjuganda.org
humanrajournalists@yahoo.co.uk
BLOG: http://hrnjuganda.blogpost.com
Press statement;
Embargoed until 21st/March/2011
Kampala; As the review for Uganda’s human rights situation is drawing closer under the UN Universal Periodic Review (UPR), Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda (HRNJ-Uganda) has submitted a report to the United Nations Human Rights Council highlighting the none compliance of Ugandan government towards protecting, upholding and promoting the right to freedom of expression, media freedom and access to information.
HRNJ-Uganda is a membership organization of human rights journalists in Uganda whose primary activity is to defend press freedom, freedom of expression and information. Under the strategic direction, HRNJ-Uganda’s efforts and resources are devoted to; (i) Advocacy and Networking, (ii) Litigation, (iii) Capacity building and Outreach, (iv) Documentation and Research and (v) institutional development.
Uganda which is a member of the United Nations Human Rights Council is up for review on its human rights situation later this year in October under the United Nations Universal Periodic Review mechanism (UPRM).
HRNJ-Uganda is aware that Uganda has ratified a number of conventions and treaties that obligate it to protect the rights to freedom of opinion, expression, and access to information.
These treaties and conventions set standards for all member states to adhere to the principals that facilitate the enjoyment of these human rights and freedoms, namely; Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UHDR-Article 19), International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR-Article 19), The International Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Racial Discrimination (Article 5(d) (viii), The convention on the Rights of the Child (Article 13) and the Declaration on human rights defenders (Article 6)
It is upon this basis that HRNJ-Uganda is seeking for the intervention of the United Nations Human Rights Council.
The report to the UN Human Rights Council exposes among other issues namely; laws that criminalise speech and hinder access to information, deteriorating safety and security of journalists, lack of independence by regulatory bodies, and the shrinking space under which the journalists, political activists, human rights activists and government critics operate.
“Although the right to freely inform the public and to be informed is absolute, it remains limited in Uganda especially on critical issues. The National Resistance Movement (NRM) government claims to observe this freedom, but in practice it does not. We have documented evidence which shows government’s violation of this freedom –esp. to those who criticize public officers” said HRNJ-Uganda Programmes Coordinator Geoffrey Wokulira Ssebaggala
Safety and Security of Journalists
The safety and security of journalists in Uganda remains frail with many being murdered, subjected to arbitrary arrests and torture, intimidation and harassment among other untold sufferings at the hands of the authorities. According to HRNJ press index report, there is an increase in cases of violence meted against journalists as indicated by the demographics here below; In 2009, 35 cases of violence were reported and over 50 cases in 2010.
On September 10, 2009, a renowned journalist Mr. Kalundi Sserumaga was kidnapped by security operatives at night after attending a talk show on WBS TV and was tortured at an un-gazzetted center in Kireka. (ii) Arafat Nzito of Simba FM 97.3 on November 3, 2010 was also kidnapped by security personnel, kept incommunicado for eight days at Kololo under the orders of the Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI). He was released upon filing a habeas- Corpus in court. (iii) Patrick Otim, who worked with a government owned Mega FM, based in Gulu, was kidnapped from his residence in Pader and held incommunicado for six (6) weeks in May, 2009. He was taken to court after filing a habeas corpus, charged with treason and concealment to treason and was committed to the high court for trial –he still languishes in prison without court hearing.
The period under review has seen several journalists murdered with killers still at large. They include;
1) Wilbroad Kasujja, a journalist for Buwama community radio in the Mpigi district. She was raped and killed on her way to work.
2) Paul Kiggundu, a reporter with Masaka-based Top radio, was murdered while on duty.
3) Prime radio, news anchor Dickson Ssentongo was murdered on his way to work.
In 2008, government established the Media Offences Department within the Uganda Police Force to monitor media output on a daily basis. The department interrogates activists, supporters of the opposition political parties, journalists and media managers or owners over releases from their media houses, majority of the victims have kept reporting to police for years with no resolution. These include: Timothy Kalyegira, Daniel Kalinaki, Angello Izama and Henry Ochieng (Daily Monitor).
Limits on Freedom of Expression and laws that criminalise speech;
The Constitutional Court nullified Uganda’s sedition law on August 25, 2010. Nonetheless, several journalists and activists still face sedition charges even though the court found this law in contravention of Article 29 of the Ugandan Constitution, which guarantees freedom of expression, opinion, and conscience.
Uganda has a big number of laws that criminalise speech ranging from The Penal Code Act, The Anti terrorism Act which sets death as punishment for any journalist who writes about a ‘terrorist group, The Press and Journalists Act, 1995 and the Interception of Communications Act which permits the tapping of all forms or types of communications.
Others include; Under the Electronic Media Act, Cap 104 of 1996, the Broadcasting Council enjoys unprecedented powers of regulating the media content. On several occasions the institution has abused its powers by arbitrarily and excessively closing down media houses, ban public debates and orders the sacking of critical journalists. As witnessed in September 2009, the Broadcasting Council unlawfully closed down five (5) private radio stations namely: Central Broadcasting Service (CBS) 88.8FM and 89.2FM, Radio 2 (Akaboozi FM), a Catholic Church run radio station Radio Sapientia, and Ssuubi FM and the 1958 Secrecy Act which bars public officials from releasing classified information of government. However this contradicts the 2005 Access to Information Act (ATIA) which provides for free and easy access of information from public bodies.
Under the bills;
The Press and Journalists Amendment Bill 2010 which seeks overzealous control of media outlets by the NRM government
The Public Order Management Bill, 2009 challenges the enjoyment of freedom of expression, speech, and assembly which are fundamental freedoms and human rights guaranteed by the 1995 Constitution
Lack of Independence by Regulatory bodies;
Media regulatory bodies are operating under the oversight of the Cabinet Ministers of Security, Information, and ICT. These ministers have assumed and applied excessive powers in controlling these institutions which are supposed to be independent from government. Regulatory bodies too in turn have imposed stringent controls over media houses to the extent of directing recruitments, interfering with the media contents to suit interests of the government. The regulatory bodies have disregarded the enforcement of license regulations on the side of pro-government owned media. A number of incidents denying opposition political supporters access to media platforms have been reported and there’s never been an intervention from the Broadcasting Council like in the case of Bunyoro region in 2010 during presidential and parliamentary campaigns on Radio Kitara, Spice FM, Radio Hoima, Kings Radio and Bunyoro Broadcasting Service, radios and in Nakaseke district community radio, where Dr. Kiiza Besigye paid for airtime but was locked out of the radio building staff and the premises cordoned off by anti-riot police.
HRNJ-Uganda has therefore calling upon the UN human rights council to;
- Ask the government of Uganda to repeal all laws that impede the freedom of the press, expression, opinion and conscience as well as information.
- Push government to implement the decision by the Constitutional Court which overturned the sedition provision and therefore immediately dismiss all sedition charges against journalists and politicians.
- Task the government to make public all reports emerging from investigations of murdered journalists and police brutality and prosecute all those implicated.
For the full report or details please visit our website; www.hrnjuganda.org or contact us on the address below;
Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda (HRNJ-Uganda)
Kivebulaya Road at Mengo – Kampala Opp. St. Marcelino Pre. School
P.O.Box.71314 Clock Tower Kampala
Tel: +256-414-272934 / +256-414-667627
E-mail: info@hrnjuganda.org
humanrajournalists@yahoo.co.uk
BLOG: http://hrnjuganda.blogpost.com
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Demonstrating students assault two journalists
Masaka, 12th/March/2011; Mutesa I Royal University students who have been demonstrating over alleged incompetence of university administrators and poor hygiene have assaulted two journalists.
Mutesa I Royal University is owned by Buganda Kingdom, the largest ethnic group in Uganda based in central region.
Brian Luwaga, a correspondent with Kamunye news paper and Edward Bindhe, a stringer with Uganda Radio Network one of the Uganda’s news agency were invited by the University guild president Francis Kayiira on 11th/March/2011 to cover students’ demonstration.
Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda (HRNJ-Uganda) has learnt that before the assault of these journalists, the students had earlier locked an official from the kingdom headquarters in a pit latrine.
An eyewitness said journalists were rounded up inside the university premises while conducting interviews with some students, beaten-up and their tools of trade were seized and damaged.
“I was interviewing students who stormed out of a negotiation meeting chaired by the deputy premier of Buganda Kingdom Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Ssendaula and rounded-up by rowdy students. They demanded for my identification and immediately grabbed my recorder and my laptop that fell down and got damaged” said Edward Bindhe.
Bindhe said he was beaten-up and called Luwaga to rescue him who was subsequently roughed up by students.
“I was assaulted for taking students’ photos who were harassing Bindhe. Students who attacked me from behind seized my camera and all photos were deleted. I was assaulted for some time until anti-riot police showed up.
“The safety and security of journalists in Uganda has been our major concern even before February 2011 general elections. We have recorded the highest cases of violence against journalists in the past one year including murder. Our worry is that even members of the public who are supposed to protect journalists are now enemies” said HRNJ-Uganda Geoffrey Wokulira Ssebaggala.
HRNJ-Uganda reminds all journalists to measure their security before deciding to go for a story however, we challenge police to investigate and bring all rowdy students to justice.
The matter was reported to police and a general inquiry file has been opened at Masaka police station.
For More Information Contact;
Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda (HRNJ-Uganda)
Kivebulaya Road – Mengo Kampala Opp. St. Marcelino Pre. School
P.O.BOX. 71314 Clock Tower Kampala
Tel: +256-414-272934 / +256-414-667627
E-mail: news@hrnjuganda.org
humanrajournalists@yahoo.co.uk
Website: www.hrnjuganda.org
BLOG: http://hrnjuganda.blogpost.com
Mutesa I Royal University is owned by Buganda Kingdom, the largest ethnic group in Uganda based in central region.
Brian Luwaga, a correspondent with Kamunye news paper and Edward Bindhe, a stringer with Uganda Radio Network one of the Uganda’s news agency were invited by the University guild president Francis Kayiira on 11th/March/2011 to cover students’ demonstration.
Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda (HRNJ-Uganda) has learnt that before the assault of these journalists, the students had earlier locked an official from the kingdom headquarters in a pit latrine.
An eyewitness said journalists were rounded up inside the university premises while conducting interviews with some students, beaten-up and their tools of trade were seized and damaged.
“I was interviewing students who stormed out of a negotiation meeting chaired by the deputy premier of Buganda Kingdom Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Ssendaula and rounded-up by rowdy students. They demanded for my identification and immediately grabbed my recorder and my laptop that fell down and got damaged” said Edward Bindhe.
Bindhe said he was beaten-up and called Luwaga to rescue him who was subsequently roughed up by students.
“I was assaulted for taking students’ photos who were harassing Bindhe. Students who attacked me from behind seized my camera and all photos were deleted. I was assaulted for some time until anti-riot police showed up.
“The safety and security of journalists in Uganda has been our major concern even before February 2011 general elections. We have recorded the highest cases of violence against journalists in the past one year including murder. Our worry is that even members of the public who are supposed to protect journalists are now enemies” said HRNJ-Uganda Geoffrey Wokulira Ssebaggala.
HRNJ-Uganda reminds all journalists to measure their security before deciding to go for a story however, we challenge police to investigate and bring all rowdy students to justice.
The matter was reported to police and a general inquiry file has been opened at Masaka police station.
For More Information Contact;
Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda (HRNJ-Uganda)
Kivebulaya Road – Mengo Kampala Opp. St. Marcelino Pre. School
P.O.BOX. 71314 Clock Tower Kampala
Tel: +256-414-272934 / +256-414-667627
E-mail: news@hrnjuganda.org
humanrajournalists@yahoo.co.uk
Website: www.hrnjuganda.org
BLOG: http://hrnjuganda.blogpost.com
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Two journalists injured during a demonstration
Jinja, 12/March/2011; Two journalists have been reported injured in a peaceful demonstration organized by opposition political parties in Jinja town, Eastern Uganda.
David Lukakama, a reporter for Jinja-based radio Voice of Busoga and Hasfa Nakyanzi a reporter for Top Television were covering the violently dispersed demonstration.
Article 29 (d) of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda states that “every person shall have the right to freedom to assemble and to demonstrate together with others peacefully and unarmed and to petition”
An eyewitness told Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda (HRNJ-Uganda) that by the time anti-riot police started firing tear gas from behind the demonstrators most journalists were caught up in the area which was hit most by tear-gas canisters.
“A tear gas canister hit me and I fell down sustaining a big cut on my mouth. I lost a teeth and another one got disfigured” Nakyanzi said. Her toe got a fracture.
Nakyanzi was taken to Jinja referral hospital where she received first aid treatment before being transferred to Kadic clinic in Kampala where her mouth was stitched and other necessary treatment.
Journalists who were at the scene told HRNJ-Uganda that anti-riot police was targeting television camera persons and photojournalists who were in front of the demonstrators but the commandant who is the Jinja District Police commander Jonathan Musinguzi did nothing to the affected journalists.
“Cases of violence against journalists in this period seem to be organized to target frontline Journalists. Such moves are intended to scare them off from their messenger work. The commandant of the day, therefore, should be held responsible for abusing the rights of Journalists” Said HRNJ-Uganda Board Chairman Robert Ssempala
When HRNJ-Uganda contacted the DPC Jinja, Jonathan Musinguzi to give an account of how the Journalists were targeted and abused, he denied targeting journalists saying they are his friends.
HRNJ-Uganda condemns such acts of violence against journalists in the strongest term possible and challenges the police leadership to investigate Jinja DPC Jonathan Musinguzi and take punitive measures to punish him.
For More Information Contact;
Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda (HRNJ-Uganda)
Kivebulaya Road – Mengo Kampala Opp. St. Marcelino Pre. School
P.O.BOX. 71314 Clock Tower Kampala
Tel: +256-414-272934 / +256-414-667627
E-mail: news@hrnjuganda.org
humanrajournalists@yahoo.co.uk
Website: www.hrnjuganda.org
BLOG: http://hrnjuganda.blogpost.com
David Lukakama, a reporter for Jinja-based radio Voice of Busoga and Hasfa Nakyanzi a reporter for Top Television were covering the violently dispersed demonstration.
Article 29 (d) of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda states that “every person shall have the right to freedom to assemble and to demonstrate together with others peacefully and unarmed and to petition”
An eyewitness told Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda (HRNJ-Uganda) that by the time anti-riot police started firing tear gas from behind the demonstrators most journalists were caught up in the area which was hit most by tear-gas canisters.
“A tear gas canister hit me and I fell down sustaining a big cut on my mouth. I lost a teeth and another one got disfigured” Nakyanzi said. Her toe got a fracture.
Nakyanzi was taken to Jinja referral hospital where she received first aid treatment before being transferred to Kadic clinic in Kampala where her mouth was stitched and other necessary treatment.
Journalists who were at the scene told HRNJ-Uganda that anti-riot police was targeting television camera persons and photojournalists who were in front of the demonstrators but the commandant who is the Jinja District Police commander Jonathan Musinguzi did nothing to the affected journalists.
“Cases of violence against journalists in this period seem to be organized to target frontline Journalists. Such moves are intended to scare them off from their messenger work. The commandant of the day, therefore, should be held responsible for abusing the rights of Journalists” Said HRNJ-Uganda Board Chairman Robert Ssempala
When HRNJ-Uganda contacted the DPC Jinja, Jonathan Musinguzi to give an account of how the Journalists were targeted and abused, he denied targeting journalists saying they are his friends.
HRNJ-Uganda condemns such acts of violence against journalists in the strongest term possible and challenges the police leadership to investigate Jinja DPC Jonathan Musinguzi and take punitive measures to punish him.
For More Information Contact;
Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda (HRNJ-Uganda)
Kivebulaya Road – Mengo Kampala Opp. St. Marcelino Pre. School
P.O.BOX. 71314 Clock Tower Kampala
Tel: +256-414-272934 / +256-414-667627
E-mail: news@hrnjuganda.org
humanrajournalists@yahoo.co.uk
Website: www.hrnjuganda.org
BLOG: http://hrnjuganda.blogpost.com
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Journalist grilled over opposition leader story
Kampala, 09th/March/2011; The Special Investigation Unit (SIU) have arrested and interrogated the Daily Monitor Journalist Tabu Butagira over Dr. Kiiza Besigye’s story published by the paper.
The special Investigation Unit is a newly established unit under the Uganda Police Force.
The Daily Monitor under tagline Uganda decides, published Dr. Besigye’s story on 28th/Feb/2011 with the headline “Besigye; I can’t rule out war”
The agency based in Naguru, a Kampala suburb, summoned Butagira to assist police in its investigations.
Butagira flanked by lawyers James Nangwala and Timothy Ntale was interrogated for about an hour by detectives to purposely extract information to be used against the opposition leader of Forum for Democratic change (FDC) Dr. Kiiza Besigye.
“Police tried to extract information to implicate some people but we warned them against abusing the journalism code of ethics that empowers journalists to protect their sources” Said James Nangwala.
Butagira is the second journalist at the Daily monitor after Robert Mwanje to be compelled to testify against their sources.
“Such police actions are illegal and an insult to the journalism profession. Why do the security agencies want to make journalists in Uganda enemies to everybody including members of the public? They should stop using us to fight their wars” said HRNJ-Uganda Programmes Coordinator Geoffrey Wokulira Ssebaggala.
Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda (HRNJ-Uganda) demands for the respect of the journalism profession and the understanding the core values of the profession including the protection of sources of information.
Butagira wrote a two paged statement at the agency’s offices before his lawyer James Nangwala and the one detective Mafabi giving an account of the interview with Rt. Col. Besigye.
He was later released.
For More Information Contact;
Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda (HRNJ-Uganda)
Kivebulaya Road – Mengo Kampala Opp. St. Marcelino Pre. School
P.O.BOX. 71314 Clock Tower Kampala
Tel: +256-414-272934 / +256-414-667627
E-mail: news@hrnjuganda.org
humanrajournalists@yahoo.co.uk
Website: www.hrnjuganda.org
BLOG: http://hrnjuganda.blogpost.com
The special Investigation Unit is a newly established unit under the Uganda Police Force.
The Daily Monitor under tagline Uganda decides, published Dr. Besigye’s story on 28th/Feb/2011 with the headline “Besigye; I can’t rule out war”
The agency based in Naguru, a Kampala suburb, summoned Butagira to assist police in its investigations.
Butagira flanked by lawyers James Nangwala and Timothy Ntale was interrogated for about an hour by detectives to purposely extract information to be used against the opposition leader of Forum for Democratic change (FDC) Dr. Kiiza Besigye.
“Police tried to extract information to implicate some people but we warned them against abusing the journalism code of ethics that empowers journalists to protect their sources” Said James Nangwala.
Butagira is the second journalist at the Daily monitor after Robert Mwanje to be compelled to testify against their sources.
“Such police actions are illegal and an insult to the journalism profession. Why do the security agencies want to make journalists in Uganda enemies to everybody including members of the public? They should stop using us to fight their wars” said HRNJ-Uganda Programmes Coordinator Geoffrey Wokulira Ssebaggala.
Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda (HRNJ-Uganda) demands for the respect of the journalism profession and the understanding the core values of the profession including the protection of sources of information.
Butagira wrote a two paged statement at the agency’s offices before his lawyer James Nangwala and the one detective Mafabi giving an account of the interview with Rt. Col. Besigye.
He was later released.
For More Information Contact;
Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda (HRNJ-Uganda)
Kivebulaya Road – Mengo Kampala Opp. St. Marcelino Pre. School
P.O.BOX. 71314 Clock Tower Kampala
Tel: +256-414-272934 / +256-414-667627
E-mail: news@hrnjuganda.org
humanrajournalists@yahoo.co.uk
Website: www.hrnjuganda.org
BLOG: http://hrnjuganda.blogpost.com
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Radio presenter suspended over talk show
Masaka, 28th/Feb/2011; a presenter at Masaka based Top radio Ssozi Lyazi Ssekimpi is reported to have been sacked under duress over a talk show which discussed electoral malpractices witnessed during presidential and parliamentary elections.
Ssekimpi who joined Top radio four years ago has been working as an editor and programme presenter of a weekly talk show ‘voice of the people’ aired between 11am-1pm local time.
Ssekimpi’s sacking happened immediately after appearing before Masaka police for questioning on 28th/Feb/2011 at 10am over the Saturday 26th/Feb/2011 talk show which discussed the February 18th election violence and other malpractices.
Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda (HRNJ-Uganda) has learnt that the Saturday show called ‘the voice of the people’ discussed the arrest of Masaka district returning officer Ephraim Tugume after taking a bribe from a candidate who lost an election.
A returning officer is a public servant appointed to head electoral issue at the district.
“We questioned the integrity of the embattled returning officer who declared the highly contested declaration of the Speaker of Parliament Edward Kiwanuka Ssekandi as a winner for Bukoto East parliamentary seat” narrated Ssekimpi.
Ssekimpi told Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda that he was interrogated by three detectives for seven hours after which he was charged with inciting violence
Sources told HRNJ-Uganda that Ssekimpi‘s sacking was influenced by the alleged letter dated 28th/Feb/2011 addressed to radio manager Pr. Beatrice W. Kitende from key personalities in the government . However, HRNJ-Uganda has not obtained the letter yet.
When contacted the radio’s managing director Pr. Beatrice Kitende confirmed the suspension of Ssekimpi however, denied having received the alleged letter.
“We suspended him for being summoned by police and a complaint from the outgoing Member of Parliament for Bukoto East Alintuma Nsambu. We are meeting as radio management on this Friday 4th-March-2011 to study the content of the talk show” Said Pr. Kitende.
She said the meeting will also be attended by officials from police and key personalities who listened to the show.
Sources added that the letter directed the Radio manager to suspend Ssekimpi from conducting any activity of the radio including gathering news and modulate a talk show for a period of three months.
“It’s absurd that radio managers in Uganda are being used by those in authority to silence critical voices. In a period less than three years more 20 critical journalists have been sacked under duress resulting into self censorship ranging from editorial, newsrooms and programming” said Programmes Coordinator Geoffrey Wokulira Ssebaggala.
Although the employer has the right to recruit and sack a worker, HRNJ-Uganda challenges the Top radio management team investigating Ssekimpi to adhere to principles of natural justice including to accord him a fair hearing
HRNJ-Uganda is also urging proprietors and Managers of media houses to avoid succumbing to external pressure and ignoring the media ethics and objective reporting.
For More Information Contact;
Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda (HRNJ-Uganda)
Kivebulaya Road – Mengo Kampala Opp. St. Marcelino Pre. School
P.O.BOX. 71314 Clock Tower Kampala
Tel: +256-414-272934 / +256-414-667627
E-mail: news@hrnjuganda.org
humanrajournalists@yahoo.co.uk
Website: www.hrnjuganda.org
BLOG: http://hrnjuganda.blogpost.com
Ssekimpi who joined Top radio four years ago has been working as an editor and programme presenter of a weekly talk show ‘voice of the people’ aired between 11am-1pm local time.
Ssekimpi’s sacking happened immediately after appearing before Masaka police for questioning on 28th/Feb/2011 at 10am over the Saturday 26th/Feb/2011 talk show which discussed the February 18th election violence and other malpractices.
Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda (HRNJ-Uganda) has learnt that the Saturday show called ‘the voice of the people’ discussed the arrest of Masaka district returning officer Ephraim Tugume after taking a bribe from a candidate who lost an election.
A returning officer is a public servant appointed to head electoral issue at the district.
“We questioned the integrity of the embattled returning officer who declared the highly contested declaration of the Speaker of Parliament Edward Kiwanuka Ssekandi as a winner for Bukoto East parliamentary seat” narrated Ssekimpi.
Ssekimpi told Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda that he was interrogated by three detectives for seven hours after which he was charged with inciting violence
Sources told HRNJ-Uganda that Ssekimpi‘s sacking was influenced by the alleged letter dated 28th/Feb/2011 addressed to radio manager Pr. Beatrice W. Kitende from key personalities in the government . However, HRNJ-Uganda has not obtained the letter yet.
When contacted the radio’s managing director Pr. Beatrice Kitende confirmed the suspension of Ssekimpi however, denied having received the alleged letter.
“We suspended him for being summoned by police and a complaint from the outgoing Member of Parliament for Bukoto East Alintuma Nsambu. We are meeting as radio management on this Friday 4th-March-2011 to study the content of the talk show” Said Pr. Kitende.
She said the meeting will also be attended by officials from police and key personalities who listened to the show.
Sources added that the letter directed the Radio manager to suspend Ssekimpi from conducting any activity of the radio including gathering news and modulate a talk show for a period of three months.
“It’s absurd that radio managers in Uganda are being used by those in authority to silence critical voices. In a period less than three years more 20 critical journalists have been sacked under duress resulting into self censorship ranging from editorial, newsrooms and programming” said Programmes Coordinator Geoffrey Wokulira Ssebaggala.
Although the employer has the right to recruit and sack a worker, HRNJ-Uganda challenges the Top radio management team investigating Ssekimpi to adhere to principles of natural justice including to accord him a fair hearing
HRNJ-Uganda is also urging proprietors and Managers of media houses to avoid succumbing to external pressure and ignoring the media ethics and objective reporting.
For More Information Contact;
Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda (HRNJ-Uganda)
Kivebulaya Road – Mengo Kampala Opp. St. Marcelino Pre. School
P.O.BOX. 71314 Clock Tower Kampala
Tel: +256-414-272934 / +256-414-667627
E-mail: news@hrnjuganda.org
humanrajournalists@yahoo.co.uk
Website: www.hrnjuganda.org
BLOG: http://hrnjuganda.blogpost.com
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