Uganda Police storms newspaper printing press.

Kampala, 25th/May/2011; The police have raided and searched premises of Prime General Supply limited a company which offers printing services to Ggwanga news paper, barely hours after the newspaper premises were raided.

The Ntinda based company also prints for the Razor – a daily publication and The Observer- a bi-weekly news paper. Ntinda is a suburb of Kampala.

Ggwanga news paper premises were raided by police and searched, arresting four staff members, seizing a computer and four sets of documents including materials allegedly belonging to Activists for Change – a pressure group opposed to high fuel and commodity prices.

Two police salon cars and a patrol loaded with armed and anti riot police forced entry into Prime General Supply and searched the premises while another privately numbered vehicle was parked outside the gate. The exercise lasted for more than one and half hours.

The police came along with a certain document that it suspected was being printed from our place. They searched our printing press and computers but could not find any evidence.” Said the printing press manager Martin Onyabuko

“We believe that the security is now bent on harassing the media to cause fear which would in turn lead to self censorship. It begun when a Media Offences Department was established in 2008, and later decentralized from the headquarters to the local police posts.  Such acts are targeting critical journalists and media houses. But we wish to encourage the media to stand firm and play its duties-especially holding public officers accountable to the tax payers and also urge the police to desist from clamping down on a free media.” Said the HRNJ-Uganda Board Chairman Robert Ssempala

Meanwhile, three Ggwanga news paper employees have been charged with unlawful publication and released on police bond. They include the papers Managing Director Kizito Sserumaga, news editor Alex Lubwama and the company administrator Patricia Serebe. The security guard Mr. Lukyamuzi Peter was set free.

The suspects are expected to report back to old Kampala police station on 30^th/May/2011

For More Information Contact;
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: news@hrnjuganda.org
humanrajournalists@yahoo.co.uk
Website: www.hrnjuganda.org
BLOG: http://hrnjuganda.blogpost.com/

Uganda Police storms newspaper printing press.

Kampala, 25th/May/2011; The police have raided and searched premises of Prime General Supply limited a company which offers printing services to Ggwanga news paper, barely hours after the newspaper premises were raided.

The Ntinda based company also prints for the Razor – a daily publication and The Observer- a bi-weekly news paper. Ntinda is a suburb of Kampala.

Ggwanga news paper premises were raided by police and searched, arresting four staff members, seizing a computer and four sets of documents including materials allegedly belonging to Activists for Change – a pressure group opposed to high fuel and commodity prices.

Two police salon cars and a patrol loaded with armed and anti riot police forced entry into Prime General Supply and searched the premises while another privately numbered vehicle was parked outside the gate. The exercise lasted for more than one and half hours.

The police came along with a certain document that it suspected was being printed from our place. They searched our printing press and computers but could not find any evidence.” Said the printing press manager Martin Onyabuko

“We believe that the security is now bent on harassing the media to cause fear which would in turn lead to self censorship. It begun when a Media Offences Department was established in 2008, and later decentralized from the headquarters to the local police posts.  Such acts are targeting critical journalists and media houses. But we wish to encourage the media to stand firm and play its duties-especially holding public officers accountable to the tax payers and also urge the police to desist from clamping down on a free media.” Said the HRNJ-Uganda Board Chairman Robert Ssempala

Meanwhile, three Ggwanga news paper employees have been charged with unlawful publication and released on police bond. They include the papers Managing Director Kizito Sserumaga, news editor Alex Lubwama and the company administrator Patricia Serebe. The security guard Mr. Lukyamuzi Peter was set free.

The suspects are expected to report back to old Kampala police station on 30^th/May/2011

For More Information Contact;
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: news@hrnjuganda.org
humanrajournalists@yahoo.co.uk
Website: www.hrnjuganda.org
BLOG: http://hrnjuganda.blogpost.com/

A statement on Media stakeholders meeting held in Kampala

Kampala, 23rd/May/2011: Human Rights groups and Civil Society Organizations have joined the campaign demanding government to respect and the protect freedom of expression and media freedom in Uganda.

In a media stakeholders meeting held in Kampala on the 23rd/may/2011, attended by international and local human rights organizations and activists, media managers, owners, editors, journalists and leaders of different media organizations/associations, the participants expressed concern over the increasing attacks on the media freedom and freedom of expression by security apparatus.

The media organizations/ associations included Uganda Parliamentary Press Association (UPPA), Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda (HRNJ-Uganda), Uganda Journalists Association (UJA), Uganda Media Development Foundation (UMDF), Uganda News Papers Proprietors’ and Publishers Association (UNEPPA) and Editors’ Forum.

This was in response to an earlier meeting on 13th-May-2011 by media organizations at Grand Imperial in Kampala over the increased brutality from police and the army against Ugandans and journalists. They argued that freedom of expression and media freedom not only journalists but all Ugandans.

It is in light of this that the broader stakeholders meeting have resolved to back the media advocacy campaign which among other demands, slapped a ban on government activities namely; Uganda Media Center, Uganda Police Force and Uganda People’s Defense Forces demanding that government owns up to all human rights violations committed by its forces, make a written apology to journalists and Ugandans and guarantee that journalists will not be attacked by security forces in such a violent manner again.

Other demands include; government to meet all medical expenses incurred by journalists as a result of physical attacks, compensate all damaged and destroyed journalists’ tools of trade and prosecuting all errant security personnel who attacked and brutally beat up the journalists on 12th-May-2011 and on other occasions.

The stakeholders meeting was intended to bring on board different players with a view of broadening the media advocacy campaign and to seek support from media owners, managers, editors, local and international human rights organizations.

The meeting decried the way freedom of expression has been reduced to mere businesses in Uganda where in most cases employers resort to protecting their businesses other than defending fundamental rights and freedoms and their reporters/ workers who suffer blatant attacks from those who are supposed to protect –he security people.

The participants also condemned President Museveni’s move to amend the constitution in order to deny suspects bail for a period of six months. They feared that if Museveni got his way, more than 20 journalists facing flimsy charges and out on bail would be imprisoned. They said such an action would have a chilling effect on the work of the media in Uganda.

Participants stressed the need for building capacity of journalists in areas of safety and security while in the field in order to manage chaotic situations. They appealed to all media owners and other players to join the campaign in order to address the challenges that impact negatively on the enjoyment of freedom of expression and media freedom in Uganda.

The stakeholders agreed to continue with a media blackout on government institutions of the police, army and Uganda media center as a way to press government to respond to the journalists’ cries and threats from the security.

The meeting resolved therefore;

• To drag errant police officers and UPDF soldiers to courts of law
• Build capacities of journalists in safety and security awareness
• Freelance journalists to analyze and assess assignments that may compromise their security, and shun them where applicable
• Continue to be united and engage with media owners and other players for a sustained safety advocacy campaign.
• Criticized efforts by government to divide the media by talking to smaller groups in a bid to pre-empt a broader and more formidable advocacy campaign.

Security operatives raid news paper offices

Kampala, 24^th/May/2011; Security forces have raided Ggwanga news paper’s offices and arrested four employees.

The forces arrested the paper’s managing director Kizito Sserumaga, editor Alex Lubwama, administrator Patricia Serebe and security guard Lukyamuzi Peter.

The 20-man raid, commanded by old Kampala police station Boss Siraje Bakaleke was allegedly conducted on grounds that the news paper had materials which might incite violence.

HRNJ-Uganda has learnt that the security forces conducted a forced search after raiding the paper offices at around 10 am, locked all the staff in one room and confiscated their mobile phones.

A network server and four sets of documents including Buganda conference magazine, leaflets for activist for Change, edited stories and hand written documents were seized.

“The security operatives cordoned off the premises and restricted movement of staff from one place to another which lasted for more than 3 hours. All our mobile phones were confiscated but later returned after the search” narrates Alex Lubwama one of the victims

It’s not yet clear what charges the police are likely to prefer against the suspects. They were bundled on a police patrol and taken to Old Kampala police station where they are currently detained. 

“The arrest of our colleagues is part of a wider campaign to harass journalists and silencing of critical voices to the government of president Museveni. Dozens of journalists have been reporting on bail or police bond for many years without their cases being concluded” said HRNJ-Uganda Board Chairman Robert Ssempala.

He said such acts have had a chilling effect on the work of journalists including censorship for fear of being persecuted.

HRNJ-Uganda demands that should police fail to produce the suspects to court tomorrow, they should be released unconditionally because it will be evident that they have no case.

By 6 o’clock some of the suspects had recorded statements.

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

Another group of four journalists beaten-up by police, cameras confiscated

Kampala, 18^th/May/2011; Barely a week since more than a dozen of journalists were subjected to police and military brutality, police today has launched another attack on four journalists.

The journalists were covering an eviction of Lubigi wetland encroachers in which was executed by a combined force of military police and Uganda Police Force.

Lubigi wetland is located along Hoima road 15 kilometers North West of Kampala, Uganda’s Capital

Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda (HRNJ-Uganda) has learnt that during the eviction, police arrested some of the encroachers, undressed them and beat them up as cameras captured the action.

Sources said that the presence of the journalists did not appeal to the Kampala North Regional Police Commander (RPC) Michael Mugabi and his officers who turned their brutality to the journalists.

The beaten journalists include; Stephen Otage – a photojournalist with the Daily Monitor, Sulaiman Mutebi, a journalist with Bukedde television, Ivan Mukasa, a journalist with Eddoboozi News Paper and Umar Kyeyune, a journalist with UBC television.

The beating of journalists has come at a time when journalists in Uganda are implementing a blackout on government activities namely; Uganda Media Center, Uganda Police Force conferences, Uganda People’s Defence Forces and all ministerial statements.

According to Stephen Otage, he said after he had photographed three men who were undressed and beaten by police, RPC Mugabi and several police men pounced onto him from behind and grabbed his camera.

“It’s a shame to Uganda Police Force that it cannot fell sorry for a number of journalists they have injured on duty for many years. We are convinced that attacks on journalists have been institutionalized since for many years no errant officer has ever been brought to justice at the will of police force” said Programmes Coordinator Geoffrey Wokulira Ssebaggala

He said these attacks are intended to scare off journalists from doing their watch dog role.

HRNJ-Uganda calls for the intervention from the international community to bring to order the government of President Museveni and push for perpetrators to be brought to justice.

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

Court dismisses case against a radio journalist

Mpigi, 18^th/May/2011; a court in Mpigi district has dismissed a case of publishing false news against Central Broadcasting Service (CBS) FM journalist Yoweri Musisi.

Musisi 37, a resident of Nabusanke, Nkozi Sub county Mpigi district was charged with publishing false news on 24^th/March/2011 by Buwama Grade II magistrate court.

Charge came after Musisi had been arrested and detained at Buwama police station for more than 24 hours.

Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda (HRNJ-Uganda) with partners Media Legal Defence Initiative (MLDI) hired a lawyer from Mukiibi, Kawooya and Onyango and Company advocates to challenge the defective publishing false news charge

The Supreme Court Judge J.N. Mulenga in 2004 declared the law on publishing false news unconstitutional saying that it was exerting unacceptable chilling effect on the freedom of expression.

Appearing before the Buwama grade II magistrate Noah Muwonge today, Francis Onyango a lawyer representing Musisi argued that by the time of charging Musisi there was no offence called publishing false news in our law books which makes it non-existing.

He added that the constitutional provision which calls for any criminal offence to be defined and punishment prescribed in our law books was abused by the state.

It’s on that basis that magistrate Muwonge dismissed the case saying all subordinate courts of the highest court in the land the Supreme Court are supposed to be bound to its decisions.

“Am happy and a free man now otherwise I was afraid that I would be taken back to prison any time. I thank HRNJ-Uganda and MLDI for the legal support and a job well done” said jubilating Musisi

HRNJ-Uganda welcomes the court decision and believes that such decisions will widen the space under which journalists of Uganda operate.

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

   

Ugandan journalists slap a boycott on government activities over deteriorating press freedom

Kampala, 12^th/May/2011, Ugandan journalists have slapped a boycott on government activities over the 14 journalists who were physically attacked while covering the return of the opposition Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) leader Dr. Kiiza Besigye.

More than a dozen of journalists have been physically attacked including being shot, intimidated, arbitrarily arrested and detained, restrictions imposed on their movements and assaulted since the ‘Walk to Work’ campaign begun.

The Walk to Work campaign is an initiative of opposition political parties and activists protesting high fuel and commodity prices.

In the media stakeholders’ crisis meeting organized by Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda (HRNJ-Uganda) at Grand Imperial hotel Kampala, journalists under their six organizations condemned the increasing violence against frontline journalists on duty by security apparatus

Article 24 of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda states that “No person shall be subjected to any form of torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment”

Organizations namely; Uganda News Paper Publishers’ and Editors Association, Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda, Uganda Journalists Association, Uganda Parliamentary Press Association, Uganda Media Development Foundation and Editors’ Forum unanimously agreed that the right to press freedom and freedom of expression were under attack.

Journalists observed that attacks are systematic which are intended to destroy evidence of abuses committed by military police against civilians and majority journalists were barred from accessing Entebbe International Airport on both 11^th and 12^th/May/2011.

 Mulindwa Mukasa a reporter with Wavah Broadcasting Service (WBS) TV is one of the victims who sustained injuries on his left arm. He testified that he was assaulted before his camera was forcefully confiscated while filming anti riot and military police dispersing Dr. Besigye’s supporters using live ammunition and tear-gas.

Several photojournalists’ equipments were confiscated by both military police and Uganda Police Force. These include, Joseph Mary Buule a reporter with a state owned television Uganda Broadcasting Service (UBC), Stephen Otage a photojournalist with the Daily Monitor, a freelance journalist Francis Tumwekwasize, Ayebare Allan a photojournalist with the Razor new paper, Michael Kakumirizi a photojournalist with the Red pepper. He sustained a big cut on his head, Eddie Ssejjoba a photo journalists with the New Vision, Robert Mutebi a photojournalist with Bukedde News Paper and Luswa Anatooli a photojournalist with Eddoboozi news paper

Other journalists who were assaulted are Mercy Nalugo a reporter with the Daily Monitor, Gideon Tugume a reporter with Capital fm, Simon Njala Kagwa a reporter with radio One, Nasser Kayanja a reporter with radio Simba lost his recorder.

Journalists unanimously resolved to blackout all press conferences at government manned Uganda Media Center, activities of the police and the Uganda People’s Defence Force.

Uganda Media Center is the government’s mouthpiece and organizes press conferences for all government departments.

Journalists are set to petition president Museveni on Monday the 16^th/May/2011 demanding for immediate release of all journalists’ tools of trade and replacement of all damaged equipments.

Other demands include;

-          Immediate investigation and prosecution of errant officers both in military police, Uganda Police Force and other security agencies

-          An apology to the media fraternity and members of the public whose right to be informed and to know were infringed upon.

-           An assurance from government that press freedom and freedom of expression will be enjoyed fully as per the Constitution, regional and international conventions and treaties  

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

Journalist’s home set on blaze

Kabale, 11^th/May/2011; unidentified people have set the New Vision journalist Goodluck Musinguzi’s home on blaze using petrol.

Musinguzi’s home which is located at Hamabare village, Rushaki ward, Southern division, Kabale municipality was attacked at last night the 10^th/May/2011.

Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda (HRNJ-Uganda) has learnt that the assailants dispensed petrol around his house. They also used a sponge which had been deepened in the petrol to start the fire.

“We were awakened up by fire which was started near my bedroom window and a barking dog. I, my wife and the three daughters took refuge in the seating room where we raised rescue alarms. I reported the matter to HRNJ-Uganda which rallied for police intervention” narrated Musinguzi

The Kabale District Police Commander (DPC) Charles Ssebambulidde told HRNJ-Uganda that an empty bottle used to bring petrol and a burnt cloth were found at the scene.

 He however said police has not arrested anybody in connection to the attack despite the fact that investigations kicked off immediately after visiting the scene.

A week ago Musinguzi wrote a story of two Congolese suspected rebels namely; Patrice Habarurema and Olivier Muhindo who were killed mysteriously in Kisoro Uganda and Rwanda boarder. The murder of the two caused the arrest of the Intelligence officer for 63^rd battalion

He has also written extensively about topical issues including the Kabale Resident Commissioner who was allegedly pulled out a gun at Umeme staff and the two Ugandan nationals including a radio worker who were arrested in Rwanda on suspicion that they were recruiting rebels to topple President Kagame’s government.

In the meantime, security forces have barred journalists from accessing Entebbe airport ahead of the return of the opposition Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) leader Dr. Kiiza Besigye from Kenya. Dr. Besigye was transferred to Nairobi hospital after the police brutal arrest.

Security forces took photos of stranded journalists at Kitooro along Entebbe road for unknown reasons.

Article 29 (2) of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda states that every Ugandan shall move freely throughout Uganda and to reside and settle in any part of Uganda

HRNJ-Uganda calls upon police in Kabale to guarantee security for Musinguzi and arrest the assailants.

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

 

Permanent secretary manhandles TV reporter, video camera damaged

Kampala, 4^th/May/2011; A Wavah Broadcasting Service (WBS) TV reporter Mulindwa Mukasa has been manhandled by the Permanent Secretary (PS) of Ministry of Tourism, Trade and Industry (MTTI) Julius Onen

Mulindwa had gone to interview Mr. Onen on 27^th/April/2011 about a concession deal story in Katurumu, Kidepo National Park. The park is found in Karamoja region the east of Uganda

A local investor Konorious Kodet Loreka, who was awarded a deal to complete the cottages which stalled after the overthrow of president Amin, accused ministry officials of frustrating the project.

On 18^th/April/2010, president Museveni directed the Tourism ministry to award the concession deal to Mr. Loreka but officials preferred foreign investors according to sources.

Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda (HRNJ-Uganda) has learnt that Mulindwa who was seeking the other side of the story followed the procedures and he was allowed inside the Mr. Onen’s office.

“I filled a visitor’s form and stated the reason for the interview. I was allowed inside the office by PS’s secretary. I found him seated and asked what the problem. I stated again the reason for the interviews and all over sudden, his face changed. He accused me of not being courteous to him” said Mulindwa

Mulindwa added that he (Onen) jumped out from his seat and started beating and pushing me to get out of his office. As I was collecting my gadgets he pushed me to the wall and damaged the camera

HRNJ-Uganda couldn’t get Mr. Onen for a comment as his secretary said he was attending a meeting.

HRNJ-Uganda condemns the attack on Mr. Mulindwa in the strongest term possible and call upon police to investigate and bring the perpetrator to justice  

Mulindwa has reported the case to Kampala Central Police Station and recorded a statement  

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

  

Radio journalist shot, wounded

Kampala, 4^th/May/2011, Anti riot police has shot a radio Simba journalist Christine Nabatanzi using a rubber bullet.

Nabatanzi, 24 year was shot in her right leg while covering the opposition Democratic Party (DP) supporters who were celebrating the release of their leader Norbert Mao on 2^nd/May/2011after spending a fortnight in prison. 

The wounded Nabatanzi covered the celebrations from Nakawa court where Mr. Mao had been released unconditionally. Supporters walked towards Kampala, Uganda’s capital until they were intercepted by anti riot police at Lugogo. Police used tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse the walking supporters.

Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda (HRNJ-Uganda) has learnt that the anti riot police targeted journalists who were covering the brutal attack on supporters.

“I was targeted by police because when they started dispersing supporters I ran but they shoot towards me. I realized that I had been shot after seeing blood flowing from the right leg in the flower garden where I had taken a cover. The garden was about 50 kilometers from the battle scene. I also survived a tear gas canister which fell near my head. Said Nabatanzi”

She said she called her boss who took her to Mulago national referral hospital but she could not be attended to by medical personnel.

Nabatanzi was later transferred to Kampala Medical Chambers clinic where doctors discovered hard particles in her heavily bleeding wound.

“All commanders of security institutions should be brought to justice for brutalizing Ugandans and journalists by international courts. We are convinced that national courts have failed to try these commandants due to obvious reasons” said HRNJ-Uganda Programmes Coordinator Geoffrey Wokulira Ssebaggala.

He said since the nation-wide walk to work protest started, frontline journalists have been targeted and brutalized by security organs accusing them to support protesters and incite violence

HRNJ-Uganda demands that commanders of security forces including police and army should be investigated and prosecuted.

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