Investigative journalist, arrested, charged with “promoting sectarianism” and “incitement to violence”
(CJFE/IFEX) – The following is a 29 October 2008 CJFE letter to High Commissioner George Marino Abola: His Excellency George Marino Abola High Commissioner of the Republic of Uganda to Canada 231 Cobourg St. Ottawa, Ontario, K1N 8J2 Dear High Commissioner, I am writing on behalf of Canadian Journalists for Free Expression (CJFE), a non-profit, […]
Journalist fights off abduction attempt after receiving threatening calls
(IFJ/IFEX) – The following is an IFJ media release: IFJ Condemns Attempted Abduction of Journalist Advocate in Uganda The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) today condemned the attack and attempted abduction of journalist and media advocate Geoffrey Ssebagala by unidentified men in the Ugandan capital, Kampala, on Monday, and called on authorities to ensure his […]
Previously-harassed HIV/AIDS activist abducted, tortured by police
(HRW/IFEX) – The following is a Human Rights Watch press release: Uganda: Torture Threat for HIV/AIDS Activists Abduction and Intimidation Accompany Unfair Trial (Geneva, July 30, 2008) – The abduction and torture of a Ugandan HIV/AIDS activist who faces trial for holding a peaceful protest reveals the danger to those who challenge the government’s policies, […]
Tabloid’s printing press torched by gunmen, its staff followed by unidentified individuals
(CPJ/IFEX) – The following is a 1 July 2008 CPJ press release: Gunmen torch printing press of Ugandan tabloid New York, July 1, 2008 – Ten to 15 men armed with AK-47 rifles stormed the offices of the Ugandan tabloid daily Red Pepper on Saturday, setting fire to a generator and the printing press, according […]
Sexual rights activists detained briefly, face charges; government determined to enforce silence around sexuality and HIV/AIDS, says Human Rights Watch
(HRW/IFEX) – The following is an 11 June 2008 Human Rights Watch press release: Uganda: Drop Charges Against Sexual Rights Activists Censorship, Silence Around HIV/AIDS Can Kill (New York, June 11, 2008) – The arrest of three sexual rights activists during a peaceful demonstration to raise awareness about lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) issues […]
Regional free expression group calls on president to respect press freedom
(MFWA/IFEX) – The following is a 29 May 2008 joint statement by eight IFEX members and other members of the Network of African Freedom of Expression Organisations (NAFEO): Call on President Yoweri Museveni to respect press freedom The Network of African Freedom of Expression Organisations (NAFEO) has observed the escalating attacks and harassment of press […]
IFJ calls for government response to rumours of planned media crackdown
(IFJ/IFEX) – The following is a 29 May 2008 IFJ media release: IFJ Urges Public Government Response to Rumors of Media Crackdown Plan in Uganda The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) today called on the Ugandan government to “clearly and publicly” respond to local media reports claiming it has set up a high-level government task […]
Two other journalists arrested for “possessing seditious materials” and “publishing inflammatory materials”; photojournalist picked up during raid
(CPJ/IFEX) – The following is a 28 April CPJ press release: CPJ condemns arrests of Ugandan journalists New York, April 28, 2008 – A story on claims of torture at alleged secret, government-run detention centers led authorities in Uganda to arrest three top journalists and seize materials and documents on Saturday, according to local journalists […]
Top journalist released from detention, his offices raided and materials seized
(Media Institute/IFEX) – Renowned Ugandan journalist Andrew Mwenda was freed on police bond late on 26 April 2008, after a thorough search by police of his newspaper offices. Mwenda was also ordered to report to police on 29 April. Police claimed the arrest and search was in connection with seditious material the journalist allegedly possessed […]
Top political journalist arrested, whereabouts unknown, after criticising president on talk show
(Media Institute/IFEX) – Top political journalist Andrew Mwenda was arrested on the 26-27 April 2008 weekend by Ugandan security agents. Analysts say his arrest is in connection with comments he made on a popular talk show, Capital Gang, on 19 April. Mwenda was a guest on the show, which featured presidential spokesman Ofwono Opondo, “Weekly […]
World Report 2008: Uganda
World Report 2008: Uganda
Police warn station after court lifts ban on political radio shows; host, panelists charged with “defamation”, “inciting violence”
UPDATE: Radio listeners club sues attorney general (HRNJ-Uganda, 15 June 2012) (CPJ/IFEX) – The following is a 14 March 2008 CPJ press release: Ugandan political radio shows allowed to resume broadcast New York, March 14, 2008 – Police in Uganda should respect a court ruling that lifts a ban on two live radio programs, the […]
Freedom of the Press 2007: Uganda
Freedom of the Press 2007: Uganda
Community radio presenter raped and killed
(RSF/IFEX) – Reporters Without Borders is deeply shocked by the death of Rebecca Wilbrod Kasujja, the presenter of a morning show on community radio station Buwama FM in the central district of Mpigi. The Uganda Journalists Union said she was raped and killed by unidentified assailants on the morning of 17 February 2008. “The authorities […]
Five journalists and newspaper editor charged with defamation; two reporters beaten while covering protest
(IFJ/IFEX) – The following is an IFJ media release: IFJ Calls on Ugandan Authorities to End Harassment of Newspaper Staff The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) today called on Ugandan authorities to put an end to the harassment of journalists in the country after five journalists and editors of the privately-owned Daily Monitor newspaper were […]
Gunmen pour acid on radio station transmitter following complaints, warnings by government officials
(CPJ/IFEX) – The following is a 9 October 2007 CPJ press release: Gunmen pour acid on radio station transmitter New York, October 9, 2007 – A private radio station in southwest Uganda was knocked off the air for several days after armed assailants poured acid on its transmitter last week in an attack believed to […]