By Hannah Marion Namukasa
Journalist Gerald Mutumba has been released after spending three days in detention at Kawanda Police Station, following his arrest on June 10, 2024, on charges of unlawful assembly.
The Uganda Journalists Association (UJA) swiftly condemned Mutumba’s arrest in a public statement issued on June 11, 2024, describing it as a blatant violation of press freedom. Mutumba, a reporter with NBS Television, was reportedly arrested over his professional work, particularly his coverage of political affairs related to the National Unity Platform (NUP).
In its statement, UJA Secretary General Emmanuel Kirunda expressed deep concern over what it described as “unclear circumstances” surrounding the arrest, but noted that available reports indicated a link to Mutumba’s reporting on opposition politics. UJA emphasized that targeting a journalist for political coverage represents a dangerous precedent and an attempt to intimidate the media.
“As the umbrella body representing journalists in Uganda, we view this as a targeted attack on media independence and a clear attempt to silence journalists carrying out their constitutional duties,” the statement read.
UJA reminded security agencies and the government that press freedom is protected under Article 29 of the Constitution of Uganda and Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The association called for an independent investigation into the circumstances of Mutumba’s arrest and demanded assurances that no journalist would be persecuted for political reporting or affiliation.
“Journalists must not be treated as criminals for doing their job, reporting facts and holding those in power accountable,” Kirunda asserted.
Kirunda also encouraged all journalists to remain steadfast in their duty to serve the public with truth and courage, warning that any attack on a journalist is an attack on the profession as a whole.
