Digitalk staff seek sh1.5b compensation over 2022 security raid
The case stems from a security raid on Alternative Digitalk's offices on March 10, 2022, during which nine staff members were arrested and several pieces of equipment and personal belongings were seized.
Digitalk staff seek sh1.5b compensation over 2022 security raid
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Alternative Digitalk Limited and seven of its employees have asked the High Court in Kampala to award them more than sh1.5b in compensation and damages over their arrest, detention, alleged torture and seizure of their property during a security raid in March 2022.
The applicants also want court to declare that their constitutional rights were violated during the raid and subsequent detention.
The application was scheduled for hearing today, September 30, 2026, before High Court Judge Joyce Kavuma, but the case could not proceed because the respondents had not filed their respective responses.
Counsel for the applicants, Kakuru Tumusiime of Kiiza and Mugisha Advocates, told court that the respondents had been served with the application, but had not filed their replies.
Justice Kavuma, who is currently handling election petitions in Masaka, subsequently adjourned the matter. The applicants were informed through the court registry that a fresh hearing date would be communicated through the Electronic Court Case Management Information System (ECMISS).
The application was filed against the Attorney General, Maj. Gen. James Birungi (former head of the Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence - now Defence Intelligence and Security), Assistant Inspector General of Police George Ndyanabangi, Assistant Inspector General of Police Tom Magambo (head of the Criminal Investigations Directorate), and an officer only identified as Kisembo from Criminal Intelligence.
The case
The case stems from a security raid on Alternative Digitalk's offices on March 10, 2022, during which nine staff members were arrested and several pieces of equipment and personal belongings were seized.
Those arrested included executive director Norman Tumuhimbise, programmes director Arnold Anthony Mukose, director of administration and television host Farida Bikobere, lawyer and legal officer Kato Tumusiime, head of production Jeremiah Mukiibi, journalist Lilian Luwedde, producer Teangel Teddy Nabukeera, intern Jeje Wabyona and show host Rogers Tulyahabwe.
Tumuhimbise states that the staff members were subsequently detained at the Special Investigations Unit in Kireka and interrogated at the Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence headquarters in Mbuya.
He alleges that during their detention, they were beaten, slapped, blindfolded, undressed and subjected to harsh interrogation.
He further alleges that they were denied access to lawyers, relatives and visitors during their detention.
The applicants contend that their detention exceeded the constitutionally prescribed 48-hour period without them being brought before a court of law.
The allegations are contained in affidavits filed in support of the application and have not been determined by court. The respondents have not yet filed their responses.
Later, seven of the suspects were released on police bond, while Tumuhimbise and Bikobere were charged before Makindye Chief Magistrates' Court with cyberstalking and offensive communication under the Computer Misuse Act. The two were subsequently granted bail.
According to court documents, the criminal proceedings against Tumuhimbise and Bikobere were later dismissed for want of prosecution.
The applicants further state that their personal and company property confiscated during the raid has never been returned.
Tumuhimbise states that the organisation was forced to drop several television programmes because of inadequate equipment following the seizure.
He further claims that the organisation suffered a reduction in revenue and lost employees and potential advertising partners following the arrests and criminal proceedings.
The applicants want court to declare that their arrest, detention, search and confiscation of their property violated their rights to personal liberty, freedom of expression, ownership and use of property, fair and just administrative treatment, and the right to practise their chosen trade, occupation or profession.
They also want an order directing the respondents to return all confiscated personal and company property.
In addition, they are seeking more than sh1.5b in compensation and damages, together with any other orders court may consider appropriate.
The applicants argue that the continued withholding of their property is unjustified because the equipment was neither used nor required as exhibits in the criminal proceedings.
The application was filed in May this year (2026) by Kiiza and Mugisha Advocates. The respondents were required to file their responses within 15 days of being served.
The respondents are yet to file their respective defences, after which the court will consider the parties' submissions before determining the application.
The case followed a period when Tumuhimbise had announced on social media the planned launch of his books, The Komanyoko Politics, Liars and Accomplices, and Unsowing the Mustard Seed, at Imperial Royale Hotel in Kampala.
The applicants' court documents refer to the events surrounding the book launch and the subsequent raid, but court has not yet made any finding on the alleged connection.