Observer editors charged

Jun 15, 2006

TWO Weekly Observer newspaper editors were yesterday charged with promoting sectarianism.

By H. Kiirya and E. Anyoli
TWO Weekly Observer newspaper editors were yesterday charged with promoting sectarianism.
Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda and James Tumusiime, however, denied the charge and were released on non-cash bail of sh2m and their four sureties were bonded sh4m not cash.
Tumusiime and Semujju, appearing before Buganda Road Court Grade One Magistrate Olive Kazaarwe, looked composed in the dock.
State Attorney Jane Kajjuga said the two on December 1, 2005 at Ruth Towers in Kampala, published the following statements: “Tinyefunza meets FDC over Besigye under sub title Bahima General.”
Kajjuga added that the editors further wrote, “Tinyefunza’s role in the Besigye arrest and General Elly Tumwine’s role in keeping retired Col. Kizza Besigye in prison through his court martial has led FDC to see their leader as a victim of Bahima in general.”
Museveni, who is said to have ordered the arrest, is a Muhima and a General. She said the statements are likely to promote hostility against the Bahima.
The two said they did not commit any offence and asked their lawyers to contest their trial until the Constitutional Court rules on the constitutionality of the Sedition law.
Ends

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