KAMPALA — The Uganda Journalists Association (UJA) has demanded the immediate release of journalist Remy Asiteza, protesting what it describes as his continued detention beyond the constitutional 48-hour limit.
Mr Asiteza, a journalist with the online news website Daily Express, was arrested on August 11 and was being held at Kampala Central Police Station (CPS), according to UJA.
In a protest note issued on Wednesday, UJA alleged that the journalist was arrested in a joint operation involving security personnel attached to the Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI) and the State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SHACU).
The association also said Mr Asiteza’s colleague, journalist Hannington Mbabazi, was picked up from Bweyogerere-Kirinnya and detained at SHACU offices before being released later that night without being charged.
UJA said police records list Minister for Presidency Milly Babalanda and her personal assistant, Mr Juma Masuumi, as complainants in the case.
The association, however, said it had not established the formal charge against Mr Asiteza at the time of issuing its statement.
The journalist’s detention comes after he published a report earlier this month concerning alleged corruption in the recruitment of Assistant Resident District Commissioners and Resident District Commissioners. UJA said the recruitment process was reportedly being investigated following a presidential directive.
According to the association, it learnt of Mr Asiteza’s detention on the evening of August 17 and subsequently sought his release on police bond through its Secretary General, but the request was unsuccessful.
UJA said the continued detention raises concerns over compliance with Article 23(4)(b) of the 1995 Constitution, which provides that a person arrested and detained should be brought before a court of law within 48 hours.
The association further warned that prolonged detention of journalists could have a chilling effect on media freedom and interfere with the independence of journalism.
“UJA therefore demands that journalist Asiteza be unconditionally and urgently released,” the association said.
The journalists’ body said it was also engaging legal teams to pursue Mr Asiteza’s release and ensure that his rights are protected.
The statement was signed by UJA Secretary General Emmanuel Kirunda.
The claims made by UJA regarding the circumstances of Mr Asiteza’s arrest and detention had not been independently verified. The minister and her personal assistant were also not quoted in the statement and their response to the allegations was not included.
UJA said it would continue to monitor the matter, stressing that investigations involving journalists should respect due process and the constitutional protections afforded to suspects and the media.