Court in Uganda dismisses case against Journalist

By

Robert Ssewankambo

The Chief Magistrate’s Court of Nabweru in the Ugandan town of Kasangati earlier this week dismissed a case in which a Vision Group journalist, Adrian Bbaale Bwanika was accused of disobeying lawful orders of the police.

In her ruling, the Grade One Magistrate, Prossy Katushabe dismissed the case due to failure by the State to turn up in court to produce evidence incriminating the journalist.

The Prosecution had alleged that on 2^nd September 2014, Bwanika disobeyed lawful orders of a police officer on duty, Detective Assistant Yaye Paul at Kasangati police station in the Wakiso District.

Bwanika had gone to the police station to cover the arrest of an alleged fraudulent land dealer, who upon his arrest, was released on reaching the station, police officers instead turning against Bwanika, initially accusing him of criminal trespass, though later charging him with disobedience of lawful orders. He was released on bail but his camera and other belongings were destroyed during the violent arrest.

It was a mixed reaction from Bwanika: “At last am happy that justice has been delivered, though the case has taken a lot of time that was not necessary. It was evident from the start that the police did not have evidence to bring against me because the case was a total fabrication” he told journalists at court.

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]