Ugandan journalist assaulted at court for covering land case

By

Robert Ssewankambo

Madinah Sebyala, of Bukedde Paper was on 31st August 2016 assaulted by one Kasagga Swaibu who further threatened to inflict her with more harm if she continues to cover a land case where he accuses Kenneth Mukiibi of selling to him land and failing to offer the land title.

“As I was coming out of Mukono Magistrates court, Kasagga held me by the shoulder and started pulling me, he warned that I should stop covering his case or else I will face problems.” Madinah told press in an interview, adding that she was saved by commercial cyclists (boda boda) who had parked near the court and witnessed the incident.

Madinah was assaulted after covering a case where Kasagga accuses Kenneth Mukiibi of selling land to him and failed to give him a land title. Mukiibi however denies selling land to the said Kassaga and has been on remand for seven months.

Sserumaga Moses, a correspondent for Kamunye –a local dialect tabloid in Mukono District told press that he saw Madinah crying right after the alleged assault. Madinah opened up a case of threatening violence at Mukono Central Police Station.

She indicated that this was the second time that Kassaga had attacked her. “On 20th June 2016, when I was taking photos at the same court, Kasagga grabbed my camera and threatened to crash it if I did not delete the pictures I had taken. Out of fear and intimidation, I deleted them,” Madinah told press.

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]