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Journalist Mukose Arnold Abducted by Security Operatives Outside Metro FM in Kampala – The Hoima Post –
The Uganda Journalists Association (UJA) has strongly condemned the alleged abduction of journalist Mukose Arnold Anthony, calling for his immediate and unconditional release following his disappearance on Sunday afternoon.
In a press statement, the media body said it had received credible information that Mukose, a journalist attached to DigiTalk Media, was taken by unidentified plain-clothed men shortly after appearing on a radio program at Metro FM 90.8. The incident reportedly occurred outside the main gate of the station along Martin Road in Old Kampala, Kampala, at around 1pm.
Eyewitnesses say Mukose had just finished a talk show where he analyzed issues surrounding the recently quashed Computer Misuse Act. According to witnesses, he was approached by several men in plain clothes who allegedly identified themselves as security officers before forcing him into a grey Toyota Noah and driving off to an unknown destination.
UJA spokesperson Kabuye Ronald condemned the incident, describing it as a serious attack on press freedom, freedom of expression, and the safety of journalists in Uganda.
“This unlawful abduction undermines the ability of journalists to carry out their professional duties without fear,” Kabuye said. He called on security agencies to immediately explain the circumstances surrounding Mukose’s disappearance and to ensure his safe release.
The incident adds to a growing list of cases in which journalists in Uganda have reportedly been arrested, assaulted, or abducted by security operatives, especially when covering politically sensitive stories. Several journalists have previously reported being detained without formal charges, having their equipment confiscated, or being physically attacked while covering protests, elections, and opposition activities.
Human rights organizations, including Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, have in past reports raised concerns about human rights violations in Uganda, including unlawful detention, intimidation of journalists, suppression of opposition supporters, and imprisonment of some political activists without trial.
Media rights groups argue that such actions create fear within the media industry and weaken democracy by limiting the public’s access to independent information. They say the continued targeting of journalists and opposition supporters threatens constitutional rights and the rule of law.
The Uganda Journalists Association has expressed solidarity with Mukose’s family, colleagues, and the wider media fraternity as efforts to establish his whereabouts continue, and has urged authorities to uphold the rule of law and ensure the protection of all journalists in the country.
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