Masaka, 22nd/June/2012; A Masaka-based Magistrate has apologized for arresting and detaining a journalist early this week.Doreen Ajuna a Grade One Magistrate arrested and detained Namuwonge Hahifah, a reporter with the government media outlets; Bukedde Television, Bukedde Newspaper and Bukedde FM on June 19th during a court session involving a Masaka-based business tycoon accused of robbery […]
Masaka, 22nd/June/2012; A Masaka-based Magistrate has apologized for
arresting and detaining a journalist early this week.Doreen Ajuna a
Grade One Magistrate arrested and detained Namuwonge Hahifah, a
reporter with the government media outlets; Bukedde Television,
Bukedde Newspaper and Bukedde FM on June 19th during a court session
involving a Masaka-based business tycoon accused of robbery and murder.
Namuwonge is the Vice President of the Masaka-based South Buganda
Journalists’ Association (SOBUJA). Ajuna ordered for her detention
after suspecting her of taking notes during an open court session at
the Masaka High Court.Ajuna admitted to wrong doing and said it was a
mistake bound to happen to all human beings. “Am a human being I can
also make errors. I did not know she was a journalist.” Ajuna
was
quoted at a reconciliation meeting.
The meeting was convened at chambers of the Masaka Chief Magistrate
Boniface Wamala who also apologized on behalf of the Judiciary. He
under scored the importance of the media in informing the public, and
therefore a need to strengthen working relations with the Judiciary.It
was attended SOBUJA leaders and members including Sadab Kittata Kaaya,
Pascal Mweruka, Ssozi Ssekimpi Lyazi, Margaret Kayondo, Davis Buyondo
and Jimmy Ssekabiito among others.
Namuwonge and Ajuna shook hands as a reconciliation gesture. Ajuna
professed to being a Human Rights activist who would facilitate at
journalists’ trainings if called upon.“We welcome this Magistrate’s
admission of wrong doing, and we wish to encourage the police and
other non-state actors to emulate her. The media should be encourage
and supported all those in public offices such that it can carry on
with its cardinal role of informing the public and be able to hold
them accountable. We also urge the judiciary to put in place clear
guidelines to safeguard journalists who go court to cover news.” said
HRNJ-Uganda Programme Coordinator Wokulira Ssebaggala.
