Kampala, 06th/July/2010; Deputy resident district commissioner (RDC) Kanungu district Kasiita Jjuuko assaults the New Vision photo journalist based in Masaka district Dismus Bulegyeya for covering the opposition party Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) leader Dr. Kiiza Besigye at the family funeral rite.
Besigye who had been invited by one of the family member Justine Jjuuko an FDC die-hard was also blocked from addressing the gathering at the funeral function which was held last week-end at Kaku village, Mukungwe Sub-county, Masaka district by the RDC Kasiita Jjuuko.
A Resident District Commissioner is appointed by the president as his representative at the district level in Uganda.
HRNJ-Uganda has learnt that RDC Kasiita after receiving information about the attendance of Dr. Besigye, he first chased away journalists saying that it was a family function not for the public.
One journalist (WBS TV correspondent in Masaka) Sadab Kitatta confirmed to HRNJ-Uganda that RDC Kasiita used insulting language and threatened that he would use rowdy youths to beat- up journalists. “Within no minute, Dr. Besigye arrived and we started taking photos. The stick wielding RDC Kasiita jumped out and clobbered Dismus Bulegyeya” Said Journalist Kitatta.
In an attempt to escape the wrath of the RDC, Bulegyeya’s camera was also confiscated. “I sustained bodily injuries as a result of assault and am on treatment and my camera is still in the hands of RDC Kasiita. I have reported the case to police under the case reference number MSK/CDR/2263/2010 and SD/29/3/7/10 MSK” said Bulegyeya yesterday.
Human rights Network for Journalists-Uganda (HRNJ-Uganda) condemns in strongest term possible the assault of a journalist who was on duty. “We call on the police in Masaka to ensure that RDC Kasiita account for his criminal deeds, failure we shall not hesitate to fight for our space and no one should be above the law” HRNJ-Uganda Programmes coordinator Geoffrey Wokulira Ssebaggala said.
Source say that the case has been transferred to Political offences department established three years ago in Uganda police to handle political cases.
For More Information Contact:
Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda (HRNJ-Uganda)
Plot 16 Clement Hill Road Nakasero
P.O.Box. 71314 clock Tower Kampala
Tel: +256-414-667627
E-mail: news@hrnjuganda.org
humanrajournalists@yahoo.co.uk
Website: www.hrnjuganda.org
Blog: htpp:/hrnjuganda.blogpost.com
HUMAN RIGHTS NETWORK FOR JOURNALISTS UGANDA (HRNJ-Uganda)
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Friday, July 2, 2010
Civil Society Organisations in Uganda issues a statement on increased lawlessness
Members of different civil society organisation in Uganda are concerned that impunity and disrespect for rights of individuals is on the increase in Uganda. Specifically, " we are concerned with the recent reports that have indicated and documented actions of rthe "Kiboko Squad" militia not only beating and breaking up demonstartions, but also their alleged leaders coming out to declare without remorse, that they would continue with their ruthless campaign" the statement said.
CSOs are concerned that the actions compromise the role of security and put into quesrtion the role of the police to maintain law and order. The Constitution under Article 212 casts an obligation on the police to maintain law and order. "Abdicating this duty to vigilante groups is a failure by the organs of the state; it allows such groups like the Kiboko Squad to take the law in their hands in total diregard ofthe state organs charged with keeping law and order" said the statement.
Abrogating the 1995 Constitution of the Republic of Uganda and other human rights instruments.
CSOs argue that objective III of the National objectives and directive principles of the state policy of the 1995 Constitution; enjoins all organs of the state and the people of Uganda to work towards the promotion of Natioonal Unity, Peace and stability. The actions of this criminal squad threaten the peace and security that thepeople of Uganda have worked so tirelessly to achieve and maintain.
The statement further emphasized that the right of the public is one of the tenets of constitutionalism and free democratic society.
"The right to demonstrate with others peacefully is guaranteed under article 20 of Universal Declaration of Human rights (UHDR) and article 19 of the Civil Political Rights Convention (ICCPR) to which Uganda is a signatory. The same right is recognised under article 29(1) of the constitution which provides that 'Every person shall have the right to (d) freedom to assemble and to denstrate together with others peacefully and unarmed and to petition" said CSOs under Human Rights Network-Uganda.
pre-supposing that members of the public and members of the political parties need to seek for permission before they participate in peaceful demonstrations is to create limits to this fundamental rights that is meant to nurture and protect our young democracy.
The statement said, the action of using force to stop peaceful demonstrations and the use of sticks (kiboko) violates the freedom of expression and conscience guaranteed under article and articles 19 of UDHR and ICCPR and article 29 of the Uganda constitution.
CSOs are also concerned with continued use of excessive force by the Uganda police and the use of lethal and ungazetted weapons such as kiboko which violate rights of individuals. CSOs said, the Supreme Court of Uganda in Simon Kamanywa Vs AG (Constitutional Reference No. 10 of 2000) recognised that canning (using Kiboko) amounts to torture and is degrading whether it is given as a sentence by a competent court or by a person in authority. Members of the kiboko squad have therefore violated this right guarangteed under article 7 of ICCPR and article 24 of the constitution.
It is noteworthy that permitting groups like the 'Kiboko Squad) and their extra-judicial operations not only violates the above rights but is also a setback to our countries' young democracy, if not treated with the seriousness this matter deserve, they may lead to breach of peace and increased violence in the country.
In the view of the above, CSOs recommended the following;
I. The police and the Directorate of Public Prosecutions should arrest and charge all those involved in the kiboko squad and similar paramilitary groups such as Kalangala Action plan and others. Disband all paramilitary groups and have all those responsible for setting up such groups charged in courts of law.
2. The Uganda police force should unequivocally refrain from dealing with obscure factions and sector groupings. Instead the police should commit to having a professional and effecient force that is capable of dealing with demonstration and riots.
3. An independent commission of inquiry into the acts of the squad including its origins, its funders and all those involved should be instituted and criminal actions be considered for those responsible. The inquiry should cover other similar paramilitary groups such as Kalangala Action Plan, Watumbavu among other.
4. The government should review the adequacy, accountability; legitimacy and acceptability of the current frameworkk of the public order management to enable it meet the democratic needs of our society.
5. Government should officially gazetted and make known the security agencies to avoid the usurping of the role of providing security services to self styled gangs.
CSOs are concerned that the actions compromise the role of security and put into quesrtion the role of the police to maintain law and order. The Constitution under Article 212 casts an obligation on the police to maintain law and order. "Abdicating this duty to vigilante groups is a failure by the organs of the state; it allows such groups like the Kiboko Squad to take the law in their hands in total diregard ofthe state organs charged with keeping law and order" said the statement.
Abrogating the 1995 Constitution of the Republic of Uganda and other human rights instruments.
CSOs argue that objective III of the National objectives and directive principles of the state policy of the 1995 Constitution; enjoins all organs of the state and the people of Uganda to work towards the promotion of Natioonal Unity, Peace and stability. The actions of this criminal squad threaten the peace and security that thepeople of Uganda have worked so tirelessly to achieve and maintain.
The statement further emphasized that the right of the public is one of the tenets of constitutionalism and free democratic society.
"The right to demonstrate with others peacefully is guaranteed under article 20 of Universal Declaration of Human rights (UHDR) and article 19 of the Civil Political Rights Convention (ICCPR) to which Uganda is a signatory. The same right is recognised under article 29(1) of the constitution which provides that 'Every person shall have the right to (d) freedom to assemble and to denstrate together with others peacefully and unarmed and to petition" said CSOs under Human Rights Network-Uganda.
pre-supposing that members of the public and members of the political parties need to seek for permission before they participate in peaceful demonstrations is to create limits to this fundamental rights that is meant to nurture and protect our young democracy.
The statement said, the action of using force to stop peaceful demonstrations and the use of sticks (kiboko) violates the freedom of expression and conscience guaranteed under article and articles 19 of UDHR and ICCPR and article 29 of the Uganda constitution.
CSOs are also concerned with continued use of excessive force by the Uganda police and the use of lethal and ungazetted weapons such as kiboko which violate rights of individuals. CSOs said, the Supreme Court of Uganda in Simon Kamanywa Vs AG (Constitutional Reference No. 10 of 2000) recognised that canning (using Kiboko) amounts to torture and is degrading whether it is given as a sentence by a competent court or by a person in authority. Members of the kiboko squad have therefore violated this right guarangteed under article 7 of ICCPR and article 24 of the constitution.
It is noteworthy that permitting groups like the 'Kiboko Squad) and their extra-judicial operations not only violates the above rights but is also a setback to our countries' young democracy, if not treated with the seriousness this matter deserve, they may lead to breach of peace and increased violence in the country.
In the view of the above, CSOs recommended the following;
I. The police and the Directorate of Public Prosecutions should arrest and charge all those involved in the kiboko squad and similar paramilitary groups such as Kalangala Action plan and others. Disband all paramilitary groups and have all those responsible for setting up such groups charged in courts of law.
2. The Uganda police force should unequivocally refrain from dealing with obscure factions and sector groupings. Instead the police should commit to having a professional and effecient force that is capable of dealing with demonstration and riots.
3. An independent commission of inquiry into the acts of the squad including its origins, its funders and all those involved should be instituted and criminal actions be considered for those responsible. The inquiry should cover other similar paramilitary groups such as Kalangala Action Plan, Watumbavu among other.
4. The government should review the adequacy, accountability; legitimacy and acceptability of the current frameworkk of the public order management to enable it meet the democratic needs of our society.
5. Government should officially gazetted and make known the security agencies to avoid the usurping of the role of providing security services to self styled gangs.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Police officer charged with assaulting a photo journalist
Kampala, 24/06/2010: Buganda Road Court has charged Sgt. Mundu Mohamed with two counts of common assault and malicious demage of property (camera) of the Daily Monitor photo journalist Yusuf muziransa.
Prosecution alleges that during the 9th/06/2010 rally organised organised by Inter party Coalition at Clock Tower in Kampala, Sgt. Mundu, a 37 years of bukenje Luwafu parish Makindye Division assaulted Muziransa who was taking photos of stick wielding men and police beating up opposition leaders including the Forum for Democratic change (FDC) president dr. Kiiza Besigye.
Although Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda (HRNJ-Uganda) welcomes the prosecution of Sgt. Mundu but we demand for punitive actions be taken against errant officers namely: Bugiri ditrict police commander Owino Julius, Criminal Investigating officer Salongo James Lubambo, Junior intelligence officer Ben Tumugabirwe for ulwaful arrest and detention of the Daily Monitor correspondent Asuman Musobya, Laban Muhabwe who has harassed and and attacked journalists while covering demonstrations among other officers. "Police should not shield big personalities and sacrifice small ones with in the force if we are to end impunity. All acts that undermine press freedom and other other human rights should be condemned by government" said HRNJ-Uganda Programmes Coordinator Geoffrey wokulira Ssebaggala
Appearing before Grade One magistrate Buganda Road Court Rwabusheshe Francis, Sgt. Mundu denied the charges and he was remanded to Luzira prison until tomorrow 25th/06/2010
For more information contact:
Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda (HRNJ-Uganda)
Plot 16 Clement Hill Road Nakasero
P.O.Box. 71314 Clock Tower Kampala
Tel: +256-414-667627 / +256-701-810079
E-mail: news@hrnjuganda.org
humanrajournalists@yahoo.co.uk
or log on our website: www.hrnjuganda.org
Prosecution alleges that during the 9th/06/2010 rally organised organised by Inter party Coalition at Clock Tower in Kampala, Sgt. Mundu, a 37 years of bukenje Luwafu parish Makindye Division assaulted Muziransa who was taking photos of stick wielding men and police beating up opposition leaders including the Forum for Democratic change (FDC) president dr. Kiiza Besigye.
Although Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda (HRNJ-Uganda) welcomes the prosecution of Sgt. Mundu but we demand for punitive actions be taken against errant officers namely: Bugiri ditrict police commander Owino Julius, Criminal Investigating officer Salongo James Lubambo, Junior intelligence officer Ben Tumugabirwe for ulwaful arrest and detention of the Daily Monitor correspondent Asuman Musobya, Laban Muhabwe who has harassed and and attacked journalists while covering demonstrations among other officers. "Police should not shield big personalities and sacrifice small ones with in the force if we are to end impunity. All acts that undermine press freedom and other other human rights should be condemned by government" said HRNJ-Uganda Programmes Coordinator Geoffrey wokulira Ssebaggala
Appearing before Grade One magistrate Buganda Road Court Rwabusheshe Francis, Sgt. Mundu denied the charges and he was remanded to Luzira prison until tomorrow 25th/06/2010
For more information contact:
Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda (HRNJ-Uganda)
Plot 16 Clement Hill Road Nakasero
P.O.Box. 71314 Clock Tower Kampala
Tel: +256-414-667627 / +256-701-810079
E-mail: news@hrnjuganda.org
humanrajournalists@yahoo.co.uk
or log on our website: www.hrnjuganda.org
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Journalists'case fails to take off
By HRNJ-Uganda News Team
A case in which two journalists Kalundi Robert Sserumaga and Geoffrey Wokulira Ssebaggala sued the Broadcasting Council for unlawful dismissal has failed to take off. The journalists' lawyer Ladislaus Rwakafuuzi disclosed that he was informed by the Justice Musoke Kibuuka's chamber about his abscence. This is the second time when the case failed to take off
A case in which two journalists Kalundi Robert Sserumaga and Geoffrey Wokulira Ssebaggala sued the Broadcasting Council for unlawful dismissal has failed to take off. The journalists' lawyer Ladislaus Rwakafuuzi disclosed that he was informed by the Justice Musoke Kibuuka's chamber about his abscence. This is the second time when the case failed to take off
Friday, June 11, 2010
Photo journalist assaulted, camera destroyed
By HRNJ-News Team
Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda (HRNJ-Uganda) is concerned about the increasing incidents of lawlessness that target journalists who are at work.
HRNJ-Uganda a network for human Rights journalists, which defends and promotes the right to freedom of expression and the media, has noted that such targets are not only horribly carried out by security agencies whose powers are not statutory based and mandates not known but also police whose responsibility to keep law and order.
While anti riot police and stich-wielding men commonly known as Kibooko Squad in an attempt to stop opposition political party under Inter-Party Coalition from holding a rally at Clock Tower on Wednesday 9th/June/2010, police arrested and battered the Daily Monitor photo journalist Yusuf Muziransa for taking photographs of police brutal attacks on the opposition political parties supporters.
Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) president general Dr. Kiiza Besigye and other leaders of the Inter-party Coalition who were demanding for disbandment of the Electoral Commission were alo beaten up by the same group.
Mr. Muziransa who had covered the beatings for around thirty minutes was confronted by a police officer identified as Mundu and demanded that he should vacate the venue. "Its unfortunate that police and security apparatus have taken upon themselves to regulate which stories should be covered by the media. Such acts are iullegal and must stopped forthwith" HRNJ-Uganda Programmes Geoffrey Wokulira Ssebaggala demanded.
"I identified myself to police as a photojournalist with the Daily Monitor but they insisted that I should leave and hit my camera and it fell down. An officer Mundu kicked and slapped me. As a result I fell down which bothered colleagues at the scene and they intervened" Muziransa narrated the ordeal.
well as it's the duty of police to guide demonstrations, police must understand that no institution or individual has a right to control to control news scenes or movements of journalists. Therefore, such acts of assaulting a journalist and damaging his tools of trade are unjustifiable in a democratic country.
We demand for investigation into Kibooko (stick-wielding men) squad how it came into force, under whose command and te level immunity to harass innocent people under the watchful eyes of police.
HRNJ-Uganda ask the Inspector general of police through professional standards unit to investigate the officer called Mundu and be punished failure police will be held accountable for promoting lawlessness in the country.
We further condemn such attacks against journalists and call on police to serve the people of Uganda not the interests of the state.
For more Information Contact;
Humna Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda (HRNJ-Uganda)
Plot 16 clement Hill Road Nakasero
P.o.Box. 71314 Clock Tower Kampala
Tel: +256-414-667627 / +256-701-810079
E-mail: news@hrnjuganda.org
humanrajournalists@yahoo.co.uk
Website: www.hrnjuganda.org
Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda (HRNJ-Uganda) is concerned about the increasing incidents of lawlessness that target journalists who are at work.
HRNJ-Uganda a network for human Rights journalists, which defends and promotes the right to freedom of expression and the media, has noted that such targets are not only horribly carried out by security agencies whose powers are not statutory based and mandates not known but also police whose responsibility to keep law and order.
While anti riot police and stich-wielding men commonly known as Kibooko Squad in an attempt to stop opposition political party under Inter-Party Coalition from holding a rally at Clock Tower on Wednesday 9th/June/2010, police arrested and battered the Daily Monitor photo journalist Yusuf Muziransa for taking photographs of police brutal attacks on the opposition political parties supporters.
Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) president general Dr. Kiiza Besigye and other leaders of the Inter-party Coalition who were demanding for disbandment of the Electoral Commission were alo beaten up by the same group.
Mr. Muziransa who had covered the beatings for around thirty minutes was confronted by a police officer identified as Mundu and demanded that he should vacate the venue. "Its unfortunate that police and security apparatus have taken upon themselves to regulate which stories should be covered by the media. Such acts are iullegal and must stopped forthwith" HRNJ-Uganda Programmes Geoffrey Wokulira Ssebaggala demanded.
"I identified myself to police as a photojournalist with the Daily Monitor but they insisted that I should leave and hit my camera and it fell down. An officer Mundu kicked and slapped me. As a result I fell down which bothered colleagues at the scene and they intervened" Muziransa narrated the ordeal.
well as it's the duty of police to guide demonstrations, police must understand that no institution or individual has a right to control to control news scenes or movements of journalists. Therefore, such acts of assaulting a journalist and damaging his tools of trade are unjustifiable in a democratic country.
We demand for investigation into Kibooko (stick-wielding men) squad how it came into force, under whose command and te level immunity to harass innocent people under the watchful eyes of police.
HRNJ-Uganda ask the Inspector general of police through professional standards unit to investigate the officer called Mundu and be punished failure police will be held accountable for promoting lawlessness in the country.
We further condemn such attacks against journalists and call on police to serve the people of Uganda not the interests of the state.
For more Information Contact;
Humna Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda (HRNJ-Uganda)
Plot 16 clement Hill Road Nakasero
P.o.Box. 71314 Clock Tower Kampala
Tel: +256-414-667627 / +256-701-810079
E-mail: news@hrnjuganda.org
humanrajournalists@yahoo.co.uk
Website: www.hrnjuganda.org
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