COMMERCIAL CYCLIST ARRESTED OVER BRUTAL ASSAULT OF JOURNALIST IN UGANDA

By

Robert Ssewankambo

Police in Kampala, Uganda arrested a commercial cyclist, a.k.a bodaboda, on charges of assaulting a Vision Group journalist Ismail Ddamba. He is being detained at Kitebi police station in Rubaga division, Kampala district.

The suspect identified as Buyondo Huzair, aged 35 years, a resident of Sserwadda zone in Kabowa, Rubaga division was arrested on the 28th October 2014 at about 7:00pm local time at Kibage bodaboda stage, while four others are still at large.

The officer in charge of the station, Kabojja Hamid confirmed the arrest and promised to ensure that those at large are arrested too, “We will arrest four more prime suspects and see what we can do.” Kabojja told the Human Rights Network for Journalists, Uganda.

Ddamba was on 12th April attacked by a mob of angry bodaboda cyclists while he covered them demanding for the release of their colleague who had been detained by the cyclists’ leaders for allegedly failing to pay operational fees at Kabowa in Kampala. The journalist was intentionally attacked by the cyclists who accused him of being a police spy. Police fired bullets in the air to rescue him.

“These suspects have eluded arrest for such a long time, so we commend the police for arresting one of them; it is a step towards attaining justice. Since this matter has dragged, we implore the police to expeditiously apprehend the remaining suspects so that they can be prosecuted as well.” Said HRNJ-Uganda National Coordinator Robert Ssempala.

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]