UPDF institutes team to probe into abuse of journalists

Sep 04, 2018

“That is the normal procedure. In UPDF whenever we carry out operations, we analyse and when there are question marks, we correct the errors,” Tumwine added.

The Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen. David Muhoozi, has instituted a team to inquire into the recent battering of journalists and civilians during the free Bobi Wine riots that rocked Kampala on August 19.

Speaking to journalists at the Uganda Media Centre on Tuesday, security minister, Gen. Elly Tumwine, said the UPDF board of inquiry, will also enable the army examine what transpired during the Kampala riots and the violent incidents during the Arua by-elections.

"Regrettably in the process, some security personnel were involved in those scuffles, and the UPDF has instituted a board of inquiry to investigate those matters that appeared in the public. And the Inspector General of Police has also opened a general file to fully investigate allegations of abuse that could have occurred during the operation to contain these riots," Tumwine said.

"That is the normal procedure. In UPDF whenever we carry out operations, we analyse and when there are question marks, we correct the errors," he added.

When probed to name the people on the army board of inquiry, Tumwine said what is important is the fact that the probe has been constituted and that a report will be made public.

Kyadondo East MP, Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine, is among the several politicians and civilians that were arrested and charged with treason over allegations that they orchestrated violence during campaigns in Arua, including pelting the presidential motorcade with stones.

On August 19, freeBobiWine riots rocked Kampala city, forcing security forces to intervene. Tumwine said over 100 people were arrested and investigations are going on.

During the riots journalists were also battered by both military and police officers as they covered the events.

Both Police and UPDF commanders have since regretted the battering of journalists, pledging that culprits would face the law.

However, Tumwine called upon journalists to always take caution when covering riots because ‘rain doesn't' separate its targets when it starts to rain.

The UPDF MP also called for dialogue between the media and security organs, especially on the development of a standard operation procedure that will produce a win-win situation between the two.

Kyagulanyi and other suspects, including Arua Municipality MP, Kassiano Wadri, were charged with treason and granted bail by the High Court.

 

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});