Uganda Police Arrest Journalist over “Malicious Report”

MASAKA, Uganda – The Greater Masaka Journalists Association has condemned the arrest and detention of journalist Jonan Bangirana, alias Jumba, who was taken into custody on February 5, 2025. Bangirana’s arrest has raised concerns about the future of journalism in Uganda and the safety of journalists in the country.

According to the police report, Bangirana is suspected of circulating a letter containing false and malicious information about Reverend Canon Patrick Simbwa, a nominee for the West Buganda Diocesan Bishop elections. However, the Greater Masaka Journalists Association has questioned the police’s motives, citing a lack of professionalism and brutality in their handling of the case.

“The police should tell us why they arrested him and why they have failed to serve him to court if they allege that he committed an offense,” said Mr. Falish Magembe, President of the Greater Masaka Journalists Association. “What corporal punishment did he commit that he could be arrested two times just one week?”

Bangirana’s arrest has sparked widespread outrage among journalists and human rights activists in Uganda. “Journalism is not a crime, and journalists’ rights are also human rights,” said a human rights activist and journalist attached to the Greater Masaka Journalist Association. “We demand a statement from the police about these impromptu arrests of our colleague, and we demand his immediate release.”

The incident has highlighted the challenges faced by journalists in Uganda, particularly in the run-up to the general elections. Several journalists have reported being intimidated, arrested, and brutally treated by the police and military units while carrying out their duties.

The Greater Masaka Journalists Association, led by Mr. Falish Magembe, and the Human Rights Network for Journalists Association (HRNJ) Uganda, led by National Coordinator Robert Ssempala, have vowed to support Bangirana in his quest for justice and to advocate for the rights of journalists in Uganda.

Written by BRIAN MUGENYI

mugenyijj@gmail.com