Author arrested again by CMI

Operatives from the Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI) have this Friday morning arrested Kakwenza Rukirabashaija reportedly over a book detailing his ordeal in detention, according to his lawyer.

Rukirabashaija's lawyer Eron Kizza in a statement said that his client was arrested at 6:30am in the morning of September 18 for publishing another book, The Banana Republic, which recounts the torture he allegedly was subjected to by CMI operatives for seven days from Easter Monday in April.

Kizza demanded the immediate and unconditional release of the youthful novelist, law student and activist.

However, the army Spokesperson, Brig. Flavia Byekwaso, noted that the matter had just come to her attention and that she would inquire from CMI.

"I have just learned of it. Let me inquire from CMI and get back to you," Byekwaso said.

In April, Rukirabashaija was arrested from his home in Iganga at around 2.30pm and his cell phone and laptop seized.

He was later charged in court in Iganga after the High Court ordered security to produce him.

He was charged with uttering false information and spreading harmful propaganda in relation to the COVID-19.

In August, grade one magistrate Yunus Ndiwalana dismissed the cases.