Case of Ugandan politician’s assault of journalist continues

By

Robert Ssewankambo

A Magistrates Court in the Ugandan town of Masaka on March 11th continued the criminal case against a ruling party politician, Eddie Ssansa, with a police officer testifying and producing a damaged smartphone which the Daily Monitor newspaper journalist Shamim Jjingo Nakawooya was using to record news when she was reportedly assaulted by the suspect.

Testifying before Grade One Magistrate, Aisha Nabukeera, Detective Corporal Mandela Henry told the court that Ssansa admitted to damaging Shamim’s property while recording his statement, but denied assaulting her. Mandela said that he investigated the matter following orders to do so by his boss, the CID Officer in Charge at Masaka Central Police Station. He further told the court that he visited the scene of crime at the Regional Police Headquarters in Masaka where he met an eye witness, Afande Lwanga, who promised to record a witness statement but unfortunately, Mandela was transferred before Lwanga could record said statement.

The prosecution alleges that Ssansa, a former contestant for the ruling National Resistance Movement party flag for the Member of Parliament for Lwengo, Southern Uganda, on 28th October, 2015 slapped on the cheeks, boxed in the chest and fondled Shamiim’s breasts for asking him what he described as an embarrassing question as to whether he had debts, and damaged her property.

The matter was adjourned to 30th March 2016 for further hearing when Ssansa’s lawyer is expected to cross examination Detective Corporal Mandela. Ssansa told court that his lawyer was away on sick leave. Two other witnesses have testified against Ssansa.

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]