By Onzima Allan

Two journalists, Okudi Martin of NBS Television and Sida Alfred of Radio Amani 89.1 FM, were reportedly arrested at around 2:00 p.m. on today Monday October 26^th while covering a protest at the Adjumani Resident District Commissioner’s (RDC) office over a longstanding land dispute in Ukusijoni Sub-county.

The journalists are currently being detained at Adjumani Central Police Station, according to information shared by the journalists.

Colleagues have alleged that the arrests were carried out on the orders of the office of the Adjumani RDC, Mr. Toko Swaib. However, the circumstances surrounding the arrests and the specific grounds for the journalists’ detention have not yet been independently established.

The RDC had not commented on the allegations by the time of publication.

The reported arrests come a day after the journalists covered the destruction of approximately 300 bags of charcoal in connection with enforcement of a previously contested ban on charcoal trade in the country.

It remains unclear whether their coverage of the charcoal incident was connected to their arrest. Media for All, Uganda had not independently established whether formal charges had been preferred against the journalists.

Renewed concerns over press freedom

The incident has raised fresh concerns about the safety of journalists reporting on public protests, land disputes and government enforcement actions in the Madi sub-region.

In 2020, journalists from Moyo, Adjumani and Obongi reportedly petitioned the office of the Adjumani RDC over alleged violations of journalists’ rights during the enforcement of COVID-19 restrictions and the electoral period.

The latest incident has renewed questions about the environment in which journalists operate, particularly when covering sensitive public-interest issues involving government authorities and community grievances.

Article 29(1) (a) of Uganda’s Constitution guarantees freedom of speech and expression, including freedom of the press and other media. This protection underpins the media’s role in informing the public, documenting events and promoting accountability.

Media for All, Uganda calls for clarification

Media for All, Uganda condemns any unlawful intimidation, harassment or obstruction of journalists carrying out their professional duties.

The organization calls on the relevant authorities to clarify the circumstances surrounding the arrests, communicate the legal grounds for the journalists’ detention and ensure that their rights and safety are protected.

It further urges the authorities to handle the matter through lawful and transparent procedures and to ensure that the journalists have access to legal assistance.

Media for All emphasizes that journalists must be able to cover public protests and other matters of public interest without fear of retaliation for their reporting. Any concerns about journalistic conduct should be addressed through established legal procedures rather than intimidation or unlawful restrictions.

The organization will continue to follow the matter and seek clarification from the relevant authorities as more verified information becomes available.

ENDS.