By Hannah Marion Namukasa
Journalist Remmy Asiteza has been released on bail after spending more than two months in detention over allegations of publishing fake news and broadcasting without a licence.
Asiteza was released on Monday, October 26, 2026, by Buganda Road Chief Magistrate Rita Neumbe Kidasa following sustained advocacy by the Uganda Journalists Association (UJA) and a team of lawyers from Adalet Advocates and the Uganda Law Society (ULS).
He had been detained since August 13, 2026, after being arrested over a story published on the Daily Express online news website, which implicated the Minister for the Presidency, Milly Babalanda, in alleged irregularities surrounding the recruitment of Assistant Resident District Commissioners (ARDCs).
On left is UJA Secretary General Emmanuel Kirunda with Journalist Remmy Asiteza
According to the charge sheet, Asiteza and others still at large allegedly published an article titled “Museveni Orders ISO to Probe into Billions Swindled Under Assistant RDCs Recruitment Scheme” between July 7 and 8, 2026.
The prosecution alleges that the publication stated that Babalanda was corrupt and involved in a scandal relating to the recruitment of Assistant RDCs.
Asiteza is also accused of broadcasting through the Daily Express website without a licence issued by the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), contrary to the law.
The journalist denied both charges.
In her ruling, Magistrate Kidasa observed that the offences were bailable and did not attract severe punishments.
She also noted that Asiteza’s sureties were substantial and had fixed places of abode, making them suitable to guarantee his attendance in court.
The magistrate subsequently granted him cash bail of Shs500,000, while his sureties were ordered to execute non-cash bonds of Shs5 million each in the event that he absconded.
However, Kidasa cautioned Asiteza against interfering with ongoing investigations and directed him to attend court regularly.
The conditions followed requests by the prosecution for stringent terms to be attached to his release.
The case was adjourned to December 14, 2026, for further hearing.
Speaking shortly after the court session, UJA Secretary General Emmanuel Kirunda commended the lawyers for their commitment and tireless efforts in securing Asiteza’s temporary freedom.
Kirunda said the legal team had remained supportive whenever the association approached them to develop strategies aimed at protecting the journalist’s rights and press freedom.
“The lawyers have done a good job for us. Whenever UJA approached them regarding how to lay a plan aimed at salvaging Asiteza’s right to press freedom, they never relented,” Kirunda said.
He also commended the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), an international press freedom watchdog, for amplifying concerns about the state of Uganda’s media landscape and calling on authorities to establish a cordial working relationship with journalists.
Kirunda urged security agencies and other authorities to strengthen mechanisms for the protection and safety of journalists, warning that media practitioners need an environment in which they can carry out their duties without fear.
He further thanked Asiteza’s family members and friends for maintaining solidarity with him throughout his detention at Luzira Prison.
Asiteza was arrested in a joint operation involving security operatives from the Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI) and the State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SHACU).
His arrest was linked to the Daily Express publication that implicated Babalanda in alleged irregularities in the recruitment of Resident District Commissioners and their assistants.
His release has brought relief to his family and members of the media fraternity, who had been calling for his freedom.
The development comes shortly after Alternative Digitalk journalist Arnold Anthony Mukose was also released on bail following the reinstatement of charges relating to the alleged publication of information sending wrong signals concerning the death of First Lady Janet Museveni.
Mukose had initially been charged in March, but the charges were dropped in August before he was rearrested earlier this month and charged again.
The two cases have renewed concerns among journalists and press freedom advocates about the use of criminal charges against media practitioners in Uganda.
