Kitgum,
21st/Nov/2011; Kitgum based radio Mighty Fire talk- show
host Stephen Komakech is under threats from district security officials over
his journalistic work.
Komakech who doubles as a reporter is allegedly receiving threats from
the Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Pagimu – Brigade Intelligence Officer
(IO) and the District internal Security Officer (DISO) among others. The trio
is accusing the talk-show host for airing programmes and news pieces that are
critical to the government.
Human Rights network for Journalists-Uganda (HRNJ-Uganda) has noted
that one of the stories the radio and the journalist have been instrumental in is
the trial of Kitgum RDC Lieutenant Okot Santo Lapolo over corruption and abuse
of office.
The Inspectorate of Government from September of 2011 has been
investigating Lapolo over allegations that he diverted over 1700 pieces of iron
sheets meant to be given to former internally displaced people in Northern
Uganda to his personal gain.
Since 18th/Nov/2011, Komakech has been receiving phone
calls from security circles in the district summoning him for interrogation. Information
obtained by HRNJ-Uganda indicates that on 19th/Nov/2011, there were
attempts to arrest Komakech and the radio’s acting manager but the plan was
reversed due to absence of DISO and the Brigade IO in the District.
Sources told HRNJ-Uganda that on the 14th Nov 2011 Komakech
allegedly survived being way-laid by assailants on his way after attending the
trial of RDC Lapolo at the Anti Corruption Court in Kampala.
“I wanted to use the Night Bus back to Kitgum but at around 3:00, I
received a call from security circles telling me that if I was at the Radio, I
should leave because plain clothed security operatives had been dispatched to
arrest me” Komakech said, he delayed his trip back to Kitgum to the following morning
when he got the whole story of the sinister plot against him and his
colleagues.
“A credible source
within the Security told me that I would be picked together with my Acting
Manager for interrogation and then the probability of returning is zero”.
Komakech narrated.
Northern Uganda region has got two journalists namely; Patrick Otim
(Mega FM) and Augustine Okello (Rhino FM) who are on remand in Luzira prison on
upsetting treason charges. The duo was brought to court through habeas corpus.
When HRNJ-Uganda contacted the Intelligence Officer
401Brigade Captain Nathan Esebo, he instead questioned and asked whether we don’t
know the reason why people get summoned by security! However, the Kitgum
District Police Commander Nasur Oringa denied any involvement in threatening
the talk-show host.
“We condemn in the strongest term possible the manner in which such
public officials are using their office to intimidate and cause panic to the
journalists and the entire journalism profession in the region. We are not
surprised that the former war tone region has had two journalists languishing
in prison on treason charges without being tried” said HRNJ-Uganda Board
Chairman Robert Ssempala.
HRNJ-Uganda calls on the Uganda Human Rights Commission, United
Nations Office of High Commission for Human Rights and appointing authorities
of these officials to intervene, investigate the conduct of these district
officials and take appropriate action once found guilty.
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
Website: www.hrnjuganda.org
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