News
Veteran journalist Kalyegira released on bail
Kira Court Chief Magistrate Shallon Niwaha today (July 3) released Kalyegira on a cash bail of sh650,000. His two sureties were each directed to execute a non-cash bond of sh10m.
Kalyegira, 58, is battling two counts of broadcasting without a license contrary to section 28 (1) and (2) of the Uganda Communications Act, Cap 103. He denied the charges.
By: Michael Odeng, Journalist @New Vision
KAMPALA - A Kampala journalist, Timothy Kalyegira alias Nyakahuma, has been released on bail after the court ruled that his sureties are substantial.
Kira Court Chief Magistrate Shallon Niwaha today (July 3) released Kalyegira on a cash bail of sh650,000. His two sureties were each directed to execute a non-cash bond of sh10m.
“The original identification documents and proof of residence for the sureties were produced before court,” the magistrate noted. She adjourned the case to August 4 for mention.
Kalyegira, 58, is battling two counts of broadcasting without a license contrary to section 28 (1) and (2) of the Uganda Communications Act, Cap 103. He denied the charges.
A person convicted of the offence of broadcasting without a license is liable to a fine not exceeding 25 currency points ( about sh500,000), imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year, or both. A currency point is equivalent to sh20,000.
Prosecution alleges that the accused, between 2013 and 2026 at various areas in Uganda, including Kampala and Wakiso districts or thereabout, did broadcast without a license issued by Uganda Communications Commission (UCC).
He is also accused of broadcasting via Uganda Records, an online publication platform, without a license issued by UCC. The Uganda Records is an online publication that regularly features commentary on Uganda’s political affairs.
Kalyegira is also a contributor to the Daily Monitor, where he writes political commentary.
Prosecution alleges that the accused, between 2013 and 2026 at various areas in Uganda, including Kampala and Wakiso districts or thereabout, did broadcast without a license issued by Uganda Communications Commission (UCC).
He is also accused of broadcasting via Uganda Records, an online publication platform, without a license issued by UCC. The Uganda Records is an online publication that regularly features commentary on Uganda’s political affairs.
Kalyegira is also a contributor to the Daily Monitor, where he writes political commentary.
This is not his first encounter with the criminal justice system. In 2010 and 2011, he faced charges of sedition and criminal libel over articles published on his platform, including commentary on the July 2010 Kampala bombings.
The charges were eventually dismissed in 2015.
About UCC
The Uganda Communications Commission is the government regulatory body of the communications sector in Uganda.
The primary mandate of UCC is to regulate the Communications sector, which includes Telecommunications, Broadcasting, radio communication, postal communications, data communication and infrastructure.
Although owned by the Ugandan government, it acts independently.
The charges were eventually dismissed in 2015.
About UCC
The Uganda Communications Commission is the government regulatory body of the communications sector in Uganda.
The primary mandate of UCC is to regulate the Communications sector, which includes Telecommunications, Broadcasting, radio communication, postal communications, data communication and infrastructure.
Although owned by the Ugandan government, it acts independently.