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.

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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

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As part of the events to mark the WPFD, a press freedom day panel discussion has been organised to discuss issues pertaining to press freedom and new media in Uganda.

Denis Jjuuko is one of the panelists

The panel discussion taking place at Imperial Royale Hotel are organised by the Uganda Journalists Association in conjunction with DDP, US Embassy in Uganda, Human Rights Center Uganda, Makerere University Department of Journalism and Communication and the Uganda Communications Commission.

According to Joshua Kyalimpa, the President of UJA, the vent is being held under the theme “Extending Frontiers, Removing Barriers to Free and Pluralistic Media in Uganda.”

The panel discussion are on the role of social and digital media in extending freedom of expression, to be hosted by Peter Kibazo and discussed by Dr Shaka Sali of the Voice of America, Engineer Godfrey Mutabazi of the Uganda communications Commission and Denis Juuko, a Journalist and social media enthusiast.

Another panel discussion on the pleasures and pitfalls of critical media in Uganda, Public and civil society’s expectations of the media will be chaired by Dr George Lugalambi the Head of Makerere University Department of Journalism and Communication, and will be discussed by Daniel Kalinaki of Daily Monitor, Godbar Tumushabe of Accord and Barbara Among of The New Vision.

The 3^rd Panel will be on what does the future hold for the media in Uganda? It will be discussed by Andrew Mwenda of the Independent magazine, Fred Opolot of the Uganda Media Centre, and Haruna Kanabi of the Independent Media Council of Uganda.

Weinformers.net is bringing you these discussion live, with feeds from other WPFD events worldwide. You can follow and participate here or through facebook and twitter. The twitter hashtags for the event at #WPFD, #Uganda press freedom, #Uganda Media freedom.

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Ugandans will have the opportunity to watch the 2010 World Cup competition in South Africa on High Definition (HD) television according to the Multichoice president for Africa, Collins Khumalo.

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