Medical Practitioner testifies in Journalist’s assault case

By

Robert Ssewankambo

The case in which Andrew Lwanga, a journalist for the Ugandan Wavah Broadcasting Services (WBS), was allegedly assaulted by Joram Mwesigye, the former Division Police Commander of Old Kampala Police Station, continued today at the Chief Magistrates Court with the a medical doctor giving his evidence.

In his testimony, Dr Emmanuel Nuwamanya told the court, presided over by Principal Grade 1 Magistrate Mary Margaret Kaitesi, that he is a medical doctor and a police surgeon attached to Police Medical HQ. He further told the court that on 15^th January 2015, he carried out a medical examination on Andrew Lwanga from Nsambya Hospital where he was admitted.

“I examined the victim from Nsambya Hospital and found that he had a swelling behind the left ear and a mild tenderness over his chest wall on the left front side below the breast. The injuries were about two days old and the cause of the injury was a blunt object force. The injuries were classified as harmless” Nuwamanya told the court.

When Andrew Lwanga was contacted, he said that the case had stalled and this was exposing him to danger. He however noted that the evidence the medical doctor cited in court was very relevant for his case.

The Prosecution led by Muhumuza Edward Prosecution alleges that on 12^th January 2015, while covering a demonstration by a group of unemployed youths who were heading to Police Headquarters in Naguru to deliver a letter to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) General Kale Kayihura to allow them hold rallies in the different parts of the City, Andrew Lwanga was assaulted by Joram Mwesige, the former Division Police Commander of Old Kampla Police Station thereby sustaining body injuries.

The case was adjourned to 7^th October 2015 for the final prosecution to testify and the Prosecution is expected to close its case.

Robert Ssewankambo

Robert Ssewankambo is a Ugandan writer. Working currently on a freelance basis, he is a regular contributor to major newspapers in Uganda and electronic online magazines and media sources in Africa, such as the Bukedde newspaper, Hindered radio, Red Pepper, Eddobozzi newspaper and African Interest online.

For media enquiries, contact Robert at the following email address: [email protected]