Uganda Police Force has Wednesday arrested more than 7 local journalists as they march in celebration of press freedom day.
Ronald Kabuye (Metro Fm), Issa Kigongo (Bilal FM), Jonathan Atusingwize (Pearl Fm), Ronald Bukenya (Innerman fm), Daniel Mukisa and Isa Nakabale (Urban TV).were arrested today morning police as they matched to Emerald Hotel decided where they had organized parallel celebrations contrary to those of Uganda Journalists Association at Imperial Royale Hotel, Kampala.
“We make a public call to journalists to form a formidable association that can fight for our rights,” they chanted before being taken to Kampala Central Police station.
The current UJA President Robert Kagolo is accused of failure to account for funds that were meant to organise the world press freedom day commemoration event and he has failed to avail the land title of the association.
The arrested journalists are reported fighting to oust Mr Kagolo.
Police later released them from Kampala Central Police station without charge.
Today is World Press Freedom Day that is aimed at raising awareness of the importance of freedom of press and right to freedom of expression.
A report by Human Rights Network for Journalists Uganda indicates that there were 135 cases of violations and abuses against journalists in Uganda in 2016, 83 of which were by police.
