By Mukembo Wilfred
The Uganda Journalists Association (UJA) has strongly condemned the continued detention of journalists Arirabaki Sengooba and Dickson Mubiru from Grape Vine Publications and Ono Bwiino Newspaper respectively.
The journalists were arrested on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, and have since been held at Kampala Central Police Station (CPS) following their compliance with police summons.
The arrest of Sengooba and Mubiru relates to their recent publications covering contentious issues, including a dispute involving lawyer Steven Kalali and High Court Judge Alexandra Nkonge Rugadya, as well as allegations implicating UNOC in corruption scandals within Parliament.
Reports indicate that upon their arrest, police officers proceeded to the journalists’ offices in Kampala Central Division, seizing their work equipment such as laptops and phones. Subsequently, the journalists have allegedly been subjected to interrogation aimed at revealing their news sources, a practice denounced by UJA as unethical and a violation of journalistic principles.
Ronald Kabuye, spokesperson for UJA, emphasized the critical role of press freedom in democratic societies like Uganda, asserting that the detention of journalists undermines efforts to address societal challenges through critical journalism.
“We demand the immediate and unconditional release of these journalists, as their continued detention without being produced before a court within 48 hours violates constitutional rights,” Kabuye declared.
The incident has sparked widespread concern among media watchdogs and civil society groups, who fear a growing trend of suppressing independent journalism in Uganda. UJA has vowed to defend the rights and freedoms of Sengooba and Mubiru until they are released.
“The Pen is Mightier than the Gun,” Kabuye reiterated, stressing the importance of protecting journalists who play a crucial role in holding power to account and ensuring transparency in governance.
