Journalists Ask Police To Identify Goons Who Beat Up Colleague – Plus News
Journalists in the Teso sub-region are calling on the Police in the East Kyoga region to identify and bring to justice the individuals responsible for assaulting their colleagues during the Bukedea LCV by-election. Under their umbrella, Teso Journalists for Community Empowerment (TEJFOCE), the journalists expressed concern that since the incident on June 14, 2023, the Police have neither made any arrests nor provided updates on the progress of their investigations.
The journalists who were attacked during the Bukedea LCV by-election include Eddy Enuru, the NBS TV Teso Bureau Chief; George Muron, a freelance reporter for the Daily Monitor; and John Bosco Ojojo, another freelance reporter working with Mama Bukedea FM in Bukedea district and Radio Continental FM in Kumi Municipality.
Enuru was assaulted by plain-clothed individuals at Bukedea Township Primary School polling station while covering the distribution of voting materials. The attack occurred as Enuru and his colleagues were filming voting materials that had reportedly been tampered with, following a tip-off from concerned residents.
During the incident, Enuru was physically assaulted, sustaining bruises on his neck and cheeks. The assailants also confiscated his camera and damaged his mobile phone in the presence of electoral officials and uniformed security personnel. On the same day, another group of plain-clothed individuals on a motorbike seized gadgets belonging to George Muron and John Bosco Ojojo as they were leaving Tamula polling station in Bukedea Town Council.
Following the attacks, the Police pledged to investigate the matter and apprehend those responsible. However, the case has since remained unresolved, prompting TEJFOCE to demand fresh investigations during an engagement with the Police and the Uganda Human Rights Commission in Soroti, organized by the African Centre for Media Excellence (ACME) to address threats to freedom of expression.
However, Oscar Gregg Ageca, the East Kyoga Regional Police Spokesman, stated that they have been unable to proceed with the investigations due to the inability to identify the attackers.
“We don’t have any suspects to prosecute in this case although we opened the file for investigations. We cannot proceed until the suspects are found,” Ageca said in the meeting, indicating that the attackers disappeared in thin air after assaulting and confiscating gadgets from Journalists.
In response, Enuru expressed frustration with the lack of progress in the case, stating that his appeals for justice have been met with insults from the Police.
Following the attack, journalists in Soroti condemned the incident and submitted a petition for justice to the Uganda Human Rights Commission regional office in Soroti, as well as regional security offices in Soroti City. However, Josephine Akello, the Regional Human Rights Officer in Soroti, cited the lack of witnesses as a hindrance to resolving the case.
“Yes, we received the petition but have not resolved the matter because there are no witnesses. If you people are still interested in this matter, please come and record your statements to enable us proceed well,” she said.
A report from ACME on Threats to Journalists, Activists, and Freedom of Expression compiled between August 2022 and February 2024 revealed that journalists suffered significant brutality from the Police during this period, with 69 percent of recorded cases involving attacks on journalists.
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Fred Enanga, the police spokesperson, has officially announced the decision to divest the Uganda Police Airwing of its fixed-wing aircraft (P180 Piaggio Avanti II Evo).
Enanga explained that the decision stems from the aircraft’s failure to yield positive outcomes despite its capability to remain airborne for up to 8 hours, providing aerial support.
“Since its acquisition, it has only flown a total of 117 hours due to limitations such as unsuitability for non-tarmacked runways, costly mandatory inspections, insurance, and maintenance, with no discernible benefits realized,” stated Enanga.
He added, “The UPF is considering the disposal of the Paggio Avanti II Evo and the procurement of a new-generation compatible aircraft through trade-in procurement methods, adhering to PPDA laws and regulations.”
Acquired in June 2019 at a cost of USD 7.84 million, the Airwing currently operates four aircraft, including three helicopters and one fixed-wing aircraft, 5X-PEF/PI80 Piaggio Avanti II Evo-9 seater. During 2023, the Airwing responded to numerous incidents across various regions, making it an integral part of policing in Uganda.
The Uganda Police Airwing provides aerial patrols, search and rescue, rapid response, troop transportation, aerial surveillance, VIP transportation, medevac, and casevac.
Enanga noted that the Minister of Internal Affairs was briefed on the matter and raised no objections to the disposal of the unserviceable aircraft and the procurement of a new compatible helicopter.
“A Composite Board of Survey inspected the aircraft on October 19, 2022, valuing it at USD 4,271,709.06. The valuation considered factors such as depreciated replacement cost, technical condition, blue book values, and current market prices,” Enanga explained.
He emphasized that replacing the fixed-wing aircraft will enhance the Police Airwing’s operational capabilities. Several aircraft types have been evaluated, considering manufacturers and operational requirements specific to the Uganda Police.
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President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni emphasized the importance of acknowledging individuals who contribute to society’s advancement, stressing that their efforts should be remembered and appreciated.
During the Elders Mentorship/Leadership Awards luncheon 2024 held at State House Entebbe on Thursday, President Museveni commended Mr. Odrek Rwabwogo and his team for their initiative in honoring outstanding contributors.
He underscored the significance of recognizing excellence, stating that failing to do so could discourage others from striving for excellence.
Organized by the Office of the Senior Presidential Advisor on Special Duties, chaired by Mr. Odrek Rwabwogo, the ceremony aimed to celebrate individuals who have made significant positive impacts on Uganda’s development. Under the theme “Modelling the right behaviour for the youth of Africa in the 21st Century,” the event honored 16 elders for their remarkable service to the nation.
In addition to acknowledging the awardees, the ceremony served as a platform to pay tribute to the late Rt. Hon. Jacob Oulanyah, former Speaker of Parliament, for his dedication to public service.
President Museveni highlighted the importance of accurate mentorship, stressing the role of understanding society’s dynamics and the significance of science and technology in social progress. He credited the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government’s progress to its ability to diagnose societal issues accurately and provide solutions.
Reflecting on the late Rt. Hon. Jacob Oulanyah’s journey, President Museveni praised his intellectual openness and commitment to national development, noting his transition from the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) to the NRM.
Vice President H.E Jessica Alupo commended the awardees for their contributions to Uganda’s socio-economic transformation, aligning with President Museveni’s advocacy for youth involvement in Africa’s development.
Delivering a keynote speech, Hon. Tagesse Chafo Dullo, Speaker of the House of People’s Representatives of Ethiopia, extended gratitude to Uganda for its hospitality and emphasized the importance of empowering African youth.
Hon. Norbert Mao, Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, thanked Mr. Odrek Rwabwogo for organizing the event and emphasized the importance of leadership driven by a mission rather than a position.
Mr. Odrek Rwabwogo reiterated the importance of learning from past exemplary leaders and encouraged the youth to uphold integrity and serve their country diligently.
Representing the late Speaker’s family, Hon. Andrew Ojok expressed gratitude to President Museveni for his support and emphasized Oulanyah’s legacy of integrity and reconciliation.
Mr. Nathan Okori, the late Oulanyah’s father, expressed gratitude to the government for honoring his son’s memory.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including former Prime Ministers, government ministers, and other officials, demonstrating the collective commitment to honoring exemplary service and fostering intergenerational leadership.
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Monica Mbabazi is a celebrated multimedia Ugandan Journalist currently working as a news anchor on Top Radio and BTM Television. She is also a writer with Plus News Uganda. More by Monica Mbabazi
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President Museveni Engages With Rwenzori Bishops Ahead Of Martyrs Day Celebrations – Plus News
On Thursday, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni met with a delegation of Bishops from the Rwenzori Dioceses at State House, Entebbe.
The meeting, marked by discussions and exchange, focused on the forthcoming Church of Uganda Martyrs Day celebrations scheduled for June 3, 2024.
Led by the Rt. Rev. Bishop Reuben Kisembo, the clerics briefed President Museveni on the progress of the event preparations. Expressing gratitude, Bishop Kisembo, representing the Bishops from the greater Rwenzori sub-region, acknowledged the government of Uganda’s continuous support and partnership with the Church of Uganda.
In response, President Museveni affirmed his commitment to ensuring the success of the celebrations, pledging support to the Church. However, he also urged religious leaders to mobilize believers towards embracing wealth creation initiatives as a means to combat poverty.
Highlighting persistent challenges, President Museveni emphasized the importance of addressing issues such as subsistence farming, land fragmentation due to inheritance practices, and the necessity for proper enterprise selection. He specifically cited the potential for coffee and apple cultivation in regions like Kasese, leveraging favorable terrain and climate conditions.
This year, the Rwenzori cluster is set to host the Uganda Martyrs Day celebrations at the Anglican Martyrs Shrine in Namugongo, under the theme: “United for Sustainable Services and Growth.”
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Kimera Abdul is a Senior Journalist with Plus News Uganda. He identifies as an adaptable and enthusiastic individual who works to inspire generations. He posses a Diploma and Broadcast journalism and has… More by Kimera Abdu