Journalists’ Body Condemns ‘Crackdown’ On Media

Uganda’s Human Rights Network for Journalists (HRNJ) has appealed to government to stop harassing journalists.
This appeal comes on the heels of several cases of arrests, intimidation and relocations of journalists who have been commenting about the ongoing standoff at Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA).

Uganda’s Human Rights Network for Journalists (HRNJ) has appealed to government to stop harassing journalists.

Robert Sempala, the HRNJ National Coordinator also asked government to stop threatening with closure, media houses that offer a platform to those who hold divergent views about the ongoing events within the City leadership.
The wrangle started on November 25th when over 20 journalists were blocked from accessing the KCCA chambers to cover the controversial impeachment of Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago.
Moments later the KCCA Executive Director Jennifer Musisi attacked the media alleging that they allowed political protagonists to use radio to communicate messages that have incited the public to attack KCCA staff. On Monday, some KCCA workers were attacked and beaten in downtown Kampala.
Sempala has called on media managers to ignore Musisi’s statements and resist what he calls unwarranted pressure from state agencies, but instead stick to their professional and progressive way of managing their media houses.
Sempala further cites some of the staff of Radio Akaboozi, which is a sister station to Radio One,who are currently on suspension over their conduct while on air. Those on suspension include; Basajjamivule also known as Abbey Sewakiryanga, PK Bossa Ssengendo, Simon Kaggwa Njala and Kamya Makumbi. The radio is owned by Finance Minister Maria Kiwanuka.