By Heather M Asher
Updated at 1:53 PM GMT on Thursday, 31st December 20
KALANGALA- What began as usual deployment for several Ugandan journalists yesterday to cover presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi, alias Bobi Wine for his scheduled campaigns in Kalangala island turned out a nightmare.
Daily Monitor’s Derrick Wandera and BBS television’s Culton Scovia Nakamya were among the media fraternity arrested by security agencies. In a tweet, Culton says was arrested for ’posting live updates’ about the campaign.
Speaking to a local radio this morning, Mr Wandera said security agencies arrested and accused him of profiling police officers involved in standoff with politicians during campaigns. He adds that his phone was smashed while they demanded for a memory card for which he says he didn’t have one.
The duo were latter released without charge.
In an interview with HICGI News Agency, National Unity Platform – NUP’s Spokesman Joel Ssenyonyi and Nakawa West Member of Parliament aspirant says many bloggers and some journalists who were covering the NUP candidate are still in custody of security agencies. Mr Senyonyi added ”We’re not allowed to access them but lawyers are trying their best. They were just arresting every body.”
Bobi Wine was latter airlifted in a chopper from Kalangala to Kololo airstrip in Kampala waited by police cars that drove him to his home in Magele, Wakiso.
The Uganda Editors ’ Bureau in a statement this week said they’re rethinking deploying journalists in intense and fragile zones including some political campaigns.
Veteran journalist and Political Analyst Samuel Kazibwe however says whereas the editors are right, bowing to the opressor will only destroy democracy like it was when all journalists were forced to be mute during Idi Amin era.
Culton Scovia Nakamya an Award Winning Journalist alongside other Ugandan journalists have been subjected to forced fresh registration with Uganda Media Council for permits to operate in Uganda. These permits HICGI News Agency has learnt are U$ 60 for local journalists however Solomon Kaweesa of NTV in a tweet says even after applying he has been denied one.
