By Kabuye Ronald
Alternative Digitalk Journalists on Thursday petitioned Uganda Human Rights Commission over their confiscated media gadgets by security agencies.
On 10th March 2022, security agencies led by CMI, UPDF and Police raided the offices of The Alternative Digitalk in Lukulu, Makindye Division, KCCA, arrested, detained and allegedly tortured 9 Journalists in addition to confiscating the organization gadgets thus rendering the organisation idle and redundant for now 3 months (90 days).
The Alternative Digitalk Executive director Norman Tumuhimbise and Farida Bikobere a journalist after spending many days in detention were later charged with Cyber Stalking the person of the president and offensive communication contrary to section 25 and 26 of the Computer Misuse Act 2019 while the rest of the arrested members including Mukose Arnold Anthony, Luwedde Lilian, Nabukeera Teddy, Mukiibi Jeremiah, Kato Tumusiime, Tulyahabwe Rogers and Wabyona Jacob Jeje were released on bond and they are still reporting at Kireka SIU.
The Alternative Digitalk contends that much as the charges are against individuals and not the media organization, the organization equipment still remain in the hands of security without clear explanations even after petitioning the Criminal Investigations Directorate on May 24 2022, to sort out gadgets connected to the cases and to be used as evidence and release those that are not connected to the matter.
Through their legal team led by Kizza and Mugisha Advocates have petitioned Uganda Human Rights Commission to order for the immediate release of Alternative Digitalk Ltd, personal gadgets and other confiscated properties not relevant in the ongoing trial.
They want a Compensation of 50M Ugx to Norman Tumuhimbise and Bikobere Farida who were remanded and released by Makindye Magistrates court on bail and 30M compensation to each of the 7 suspects.
They also want an apology from the government of Uganda for the human rights Violations and any other appropriate remedies.
Commission’s Director Complaints and Investigations Aidah Nakiganda pledged a swift response and timely reaction to the complaints.
