KAMPALA, Uganda — The President of the Independent Online Journalists Association of Uganda (INDOJA-U) has appealed to Minister for the Presidency Hon. Milly Babalanda and Permanent Secretary in the Office of the President Al Haji Yunusu Kakande to intervene in the case involving Daily Express journalist Asiteza Remmy, who was arrested over a story alleging corruption in the recruitment of Resident District Commissioners (RDCs).
In his appeal, the INDOJA-U president said he had been attempting to reach Babalanda and Kakande since Friday following the journalist’s arrest, but had been unable to get through to them.
He called for dialogue between the concerned officials and the media fraternity, arguing that the matter could be resolved amicably without undermining journalistic principles.
According to the association, Remmy was arrested by the Uganda Police Force at the Central Police Station (CPS) following allegations linked to a story he published concerning alleged corruption in the recruitment of RDCs in the Office of the President.
The association alleges that the arrest followed complaints attributed to Kakande and Babalanda. However, these claims and the exact circumstances surrounding the arrest have not been independently verified.
The INDOJA-U leadership said its main concern is an alleged demand for the journalist to reveal the source of information used in his story as a condition for his release.
The association argues that requiring a journalist to disclose a confidential source goes against established principles of journalism and could undermine investigative reporting.
The INDOJA-U president appealed to Babalanda and Kakande to consider the importance of protecting confidential sources and to allow the matter to be handled in accordance with the law.
He also questioned the alleged failure by the complainants to formally submit written complaints, saying he had received information that the matter was communicated by telephone to ASP Mpamizo Aggrey, who is reportedly handling the case.
The association further referred to an earlier operation in which authorities, with Babalanda’s involvement, arrested individuals accused of defrauding members of the public by claiming they could secure them RDC positions through connections in the Office of the President.
Babalanda was previously captured in media reports warning the public against such fraudsters and urging Ugandans to be cautious of people demanding money in exchange for government jobs.
The INDOJA-U leadership said the previous incidents demonstrate the importance of investigating allegations surrounding recruitment into government positions while ensuring that journalists reporting on such matters are protected under the law.
The association’s president also cited previous concerns raised by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni about theft and corruption involving individuals connected to government institutions.
He therefore appealed to the minister and the Office of the President to engage with the media fraternity to find a peaceful solution.
“My request is that we compare notes and see how to resolve this amicably. When that fails, let him be produced in court so we can start another process of securing his bail,” he said.
He maintained that journalists should not be forced to reveal confidential sources and urged the authorities to follow due process in handling the case.
The appeal comes amid renewed debate over press freedom, protection of journalistic sources and the responsibility of authorities to investigate allegations of corruption without compromising media freedom.
