Case of assault by police against journalist in Uganda adjourned

By

Robert Ssewankambo

Sarah Kaitesi Kisakye, Chief Magistrate at the Buganda Road High Court in the Ugandan capital of Kampala last week yesterday granted the Prosecution one final adjournment to produce its last witness against former Police Commander, Joram Mwesigye who beat up and seriously injured a TV journalist, Andrew Lwanga.

“The case is adjourned to 27th October for further hearing. I have granted the last adjournment” Magistrate kaitesi said. The State Attorney earlier stated that there was no witness in court. The Investigating Officer, Detective Assistant Superintendent of Police, Moreen Angenyo, was expected to testify against Mwesigye but did not appear in court.

Mwesigye, the former District Police Commander at Old Kampala is charged with assaulting Andrew Lwanga a WBS TV journalist, on 12th January 2015, who was covering a demonstration by a group of unemployed youths in Kampala. Lwanga sustained serious injuries as a result of the beatings.

So far four witnesses have testified against Mwesigye. The Inspector General of Police, Kale Kayihura, suspended Mwesigye pending his trial.

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]