Although Okello’s name did not appear on the charge sheet but the Buganda road court Grade One magistrate Grace Balintuma went ahead to read out the charge of  terrorism against the journalist. He was not allowed to enter a plea because the court had jurisdiction to try him.

Okello was added on the list of suspects who are accused of killing the self exiled Col. Muzoora two months ago as accused number seven (7). The charge sheet however alleges that Okello between October 2006 and 2011 in different parts of the country with other people formed a rebel group called Uganda People’s Freedom (UPF) which recruited people and mobilized logistical support for their rebellion to overthrow the government of President Yoweri Museveni by force of arms.

His appearance before court came hours after Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda (HRNJ-Uganda) threatened to sue five top commanders of government forces including the Inspector General of Police, Chief of Defense Forces and commanders of Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence, Rapid Response Unit and Internal Security Organ for contempt of court in a press conference. This followed the failure by forces to comply with a court order issued on 25th/July/2011 which required them to produce Okello in court in a period of 24 hours.

Okello disappeared on July 13th in Lira, in northern Uganda after holding meetings with security chiefs in the area including Lira’s district internal security officer (DISO), Steven Eryaku. Eryaku according to sources allegedly phoned Okello and they met later at Grand Pacific hotel in Lira town.

Before a charge sheet was read out to Okello, the defense lawyer Adam Makmot Kibwanga had objected to it, saying that the facts used against him were far different from the case he is being accused of. But magistrate Ntuma said such matters will be addressed before the trial judge.

“We know Okello has been brought to court out of pressure but the charge sheet should have corresponded with the case allegedly committed. How can the entire Directorate of Public Prosecution fail a simple job of amending a charge sheet? We are going to contest that in the highest court, said lawyer Makmot.

Okello was remanded to Luzira prison until 12th August when he’s expected to take a plea.

By Isaac Senabulya

The post Journalist Augustine Okello produced in Court, charged with terrorism first appeared on Uganda Multimedia News & Information.

The National coordinator of the Human Rights Network for Journalists Geoffrey Ssebalaga says that whereas the group has asked the authorities to produce Augustine Okello in courts of law, all the efforts have been in vain.

Okello a 28-year-old journalist with Rhino FM in Lira District was arrested by the District Security Officer at Grand Pacific Hotel in Lira 2 weeks ago over unclear charges.

Ssebagala said this is a deliberate effort by state agents to subject journalists with divergent views to torture and subsequently jeopardize media freedom.

Accompanied by Okello’s wife Christine Laureta, Ssebagala said that the Human Rights Network for journalists through the Makmot-Kibwanga and company advocates is now demanding for the unconditional release of the journalist.

Ultimate Media

The post Human Rights Network for Journalists condemns Okello’s continued detention first appeared on Uganda Multimedia News & Information.

Okello disappeared on July 13th in Lira, in northern Uganda after holding meetings with security chiefs in the area including Lira’s district internal security officer (DISO), Steven Eryaku. Eryaku according to sources allegedly phoned Okello and they met later at Grand Pacific hotel in Lira town.

Since then, his phone went off and he has not returned to his home or his work. It’s nearly two weeks but police and other government sources consistently denied knowledge of Okello’s whereabouts.

The ‘Habeas Corpus’ filled at Lira High court by the Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda (HRNJ-Uganda) lawyer Makmot Kibwanga demanded the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and the Internal Security Organ Commander to explain the unlawful detention of a journalist.

The application seeks court to order the three commanders appear in court and give reasons as to why a journalist continued to be detained incommunicado.

The Uganda’s constitution prohibit anybody to be detained beyond 48 hours after his/her arrest meaning that such a person shall have the right to access to his family, a lawyer, and a doctor which Okello continue to be denied.

Article 23 (2) of the Constitution of Republic of Uganda requires that a person arrested, restricted or detained shall be kept in a place authorized by the law. And where one is illegally detained, sub article (9) can be applied and its states that the right to an order of habeas corpus shall be inviolable and shall not be suspended.

According to Human Rights Watch statement released On July 23, it quoted the police inspector general, Gen. Kale Kaihura confirming that Okello “was arrested by the security and is to appear in court soon” but Okello’s precise location remains unknown.

“We have sued the trio to bring the suspect to court or show-cause why they should continue to detain Okello. The continued detention is very illegal” said lawyer Makmot Kibwanga

The post Uganda security agencies sued over arrested journalist first appeared on Uganda Multimedia News & Information.