By Hannah Marion Namukasa
The Uganda Journalists Association (UJA) has condemned the detention of three journalists by the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), describing the incident as an attack on press freedom and calling for their immediate and unconditional release.
The journalists, Judith Kukunda of Uganda Radio Network (URN), Nabatanzi Christine of Radio Simba and Margret Zalwango of Vision Group, were reportedly arrested on Monday while covering proceedings related to the scheduled court appearance of Maj.Gen. James Birungi at the General Court Martial in Makindye.
According to UJA, the three journalists were detained on allegations of accessing the Court Martial without the required clearance. The association said the arrest was carried out on the orders of Major Echeru, the Officer Commanding (OC) Prisons at Makindye Military Barracks.
UJA stated that the journalists were closely following developments surrounding Gen. Birungi’s case when they were intercepted. The association alleges that Major Echeru, who was escorting Gen. Birungi at the time, ordered their arrest and detention.
The association further claimed that the journalists’ work equipment, including mobile phones and cameras, was confiscated during the arrest.
According to information received by UJA from its members on the ground, the three journalists were expected to be transferred to the UPDF’s Special Investigations Bureau for further handling following the incident.
In a statement, UJA expressed concern over what it described as the continued harassment of journalists performing their lawful duties.
“Journalism is a lawful profession protected under Articles 29, 41 and 42(2) of the 1995 Constitution. Journalists should not be harassed or treated as criminals while carrying out their professional responsibilities,” the association said.
UJA has demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Judith Kukunda, Christine Nabatanzi and Margret Zalwango, as well as the return of all their confiscated work equipment.
By the time of publication, the UPDF had not issued an official statement responding to the allegations or explaining the circumstances surrounding the detention.
