Human Rights Network for Journalists – Uganda (HRNJ-Uganda)

At the 16th Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council taking place from 28 February to 25 March 2011, groups urged their governments to support a resolution which omits “defamation” and “denigration” of religions and focuses on freedom of expression, freedom of religion and non-discrimination.

Ssozi Lyazi Ssekimpi of Top Radio was reportedly suspended as a result of government pressure over comments made during a talk show on electoral malpractice.

The organisation believes the arrest was orchestrated to frustrate its efforts to uphold journalists’ rights and freedoms.

Arinaitwe George Sidel is the seventh journalist to be assaulted during the widespread violence that has characterised the local Council Five polls for district chairpersons and councillors held this week.

Gerald Mutembu was beaten by a mob believed to be comprised of supporters of the State Minister for Housing, Michael Werikhe.

Thugs with links to the Kampala mayoral candidate for the National Resistance Movement party assaulted journalists at the Kakeeka polling station.

Julius Odeke was shot by military personnel while covering an elections-related scuffle and was subsequently threatened with arrest while recovering in hospital.

The signing organisations are alarmed by the decreasing space for the voices of journalists and opposition parties during the run-up to the 18 February 2011 general elections.